Kenya’s Under-16 girls rugby team have been handed a direct ticket to the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, scheduled for October 31 to November 13, in a major boost to the country’s age-grade rugby programme.
Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) development manager Ronald Okoth said the team’s selection process has been ongoing through the National Sevens Circuit, with coaches using the tournaments to identify the best young talent across the country.
“It is a delight to get the nod to represent the continent. We have been running the selection programme, first in Nakuru with the Prinsloo Sevens, then the Dala Sevens, and finally Kabeberi a week ago. I must say the talent on offer is superb for both boys and girls,” said Okoth.
He revealed that a provisional squad of 40 players will be selected after the conclusion of the sevens circuit at the Christie Sevens in September.
The squad will then be trimmed to 26 players before the final travelling party of 15 is named for Dakar. Okoth expects fierce competition for places, with several players already making a strong impression during the trials.
“A lot of the girls have put their hand up in training from the various trials we have conducted,” he added.
He pointed to the recent success of Kinale Girls and Cardinal Otunga at the ongoing East Africa Games in Tanzania as evidence that Kenya’s age-grade structures are beginning to bear fruit.
“You can see the results our teams are posting in Tanzania. It shows that the structure we have come up with, working with the regional development officers and schools, is producing top-quality players in both sevens and 15s and bodes well for the future of the sport,” observed Okoth.
He believes the programme could ultimately help Kenya build a team capable of qualifying for the 2035 Rugby World Cup.
At the Youth Olympics, Kenya will face some of the world’s strongest rugby nations, including Australia, New Zealand, France and England.
However, Okoth is confident the Kenyan youngsters can spring surprises. “The rugby this team is playing is a joy to watch. The basic core skills and rugby IQ are a sight to behold, so from my end, I believe we can upset some of the top sides come the championship,” he said.
The selected team is expected to feature at the Safari Sevens as part of its preparations for Dakar. “We want to give the girls the best possible preparation and ensure that by the time they head there, they are firing on all cylinders,” said Okoth.
The Dakar Games will provide the youngsters with a valuable international platform and another important step in Kenya’s long-term plan to strengthen its women’s rugby talent pipeline.
