SCHOOLS: Nyagichenche, the ambitious dreamers making waves in girl's rugby

Nyagichenche rugby players and technical bench line up before a past match in Kisii.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

Nestled in the heart of Kisii County, Nyagichenche Secondary School has long been known for its commitment to academic excellence.

But now, this little-known school is making headlines for something entirely different—rugby. In a region where football typically reigns supreme and rugby is often seen as a male-dominated sport, Nyagichenche’s girls’ rugby team is rewriting the script.

They have risen from obscurity to claim the Kisii County championship, finished as runners-up in the Nyanza Region, and are now preparing to take on the best in East Africa at the upcoming games in Mbale, Uganda.

This is their story—a tale of grit, determination, and a belief that anything is possible.

Under the guidance of Coach Dennis Onyango, affectionately known as "Stima," Nyagichenche’s girls have accomplished what many thought impossible.

Rugby is not just a game for these young athletes; it’s a symbol of their perseverance and the embodiment of their school motto, "Hakuna Rugby Ngumu Mbele ya Onyango" (There is no tough rugby in front of Onyango).

The team’s journey began as a dream, but through teamwork, hard work, discipline, and faith, they have turned that dream into a reality.

“It has not been a walk in the park,” says Coach Onyango.

“Being champions in the county took teamwork, hard work, good planning, support play, time management, discipline, and above all, believing in God. To qualify for the East Africa School’s Championship was our target, and we laid down a strategy and instilled the right mindset in the players to achieve this.”

Nyagichenche rugby sevens coach Dennis Onyango (center) during a training session in Kisii.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

Nyagichenche’s journey to the East Africa games has been anything but smooth.

At the county level, the team faced an early scare when they conceded the first try against Rianchobera in the group stage. However, they rallied in the second half to win the match and maintain their unbeaten record.

In the semifinals, they were pushed to the limit by Hema, resulting in a sudden-death situation. It took only a minute and a half for Nyagichenche to clinch the win, setting the stage for their county final triumph over St. Anne Nyangogi.

The regional competition in Nyanza presented new challenges. “Our main challenge was to qualify for the semifinals to secure a ticket to the nationals,” explains Onyango.

“We planned game by game, identifying key players in each team we were up against. We took time to watch their warm-ups and matches against other teams.”

This meticulous planning paid off as Nyagichenche qualified for the national stage. However, their debut at the nationals started on a shaky note with a loss to JM Kariuki.

Nyagichenche rugby sevens team.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

But once again, the team’s resilience shone through. They bounced back to win their next two matches against Murutu and St. Teresa, both from the Eastern Region.

The quarterfinals offered a chance for revenge against Nyakach Girls, the team that had beaten them in the regional finals.

Nyagichenche emerged victorious, securing their place in the semifinals and earning their ticket to the East Africa School’s Championship.

For the girls of Nyagichenche, each victory brought not just joy but also a growing belief in their abilities. The team’s success has been a source of immense pride for the school and the surrounding community.

“We appreciate the community for coming with us on this journey,” says Onyango.

“They rallied behind the team by cheering us on at all levels of the championship. Even at the East Africa School’s Championship, we know all the teams there will support us because of our unique name, Nyagichenche, which many find hard to pronounce. When you say Nyagichenche, you’re speaking of the most ambitious school.”

The journey has not been without its hardships. The team faced injuries to key players during the national competition, but the strength of their unity allowed others to step up and fill the gaps.

The technical support team, led by Mr. Mauti Wycliffe, Shem Mogere, and Clif Omar (also known as Ogopa), played a crucial role in keeping the team tactically and technically prepared for every match.

Their dedication, along with the unwavering support of the school’s leadership, has been instrumental in Nyagichenche’s success.

Nyagichenche rugby sevens team.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

As they prepare for the East Africa School’s Championship, the girls of Nyagichenche are not just participants—they are competitors with a clear mission.

“We promise to compete, not just participate, and be counted as the ambitious Nyagichenche Secondary School, the home of rugby,” declares Onyango.

The team’s training camp in Kakamega County has been intense, focusing on recovery and sharpening their skills for the challenges ahead.

Nyagichenche’s story is far from over. With plans to nurture rugby talent for both boys and girls, and a program that links players with clubs and the national team coach, the school is laying the groundwork for future success.

Scholarships for talented students ensure that opportunities extend beyond Nyagichenche, benefiting the entire community.

As they head to Uganda, the girls of Nyagichenche carry with them the hopes of a school, a county, and a region. They are determined to make their mark, not just as newcomers, but as a team to watch—a team that believes, begins, and becomes.