FEASSSA To Introduce Rugby 7s For Girls In Schools
Knight Otuoma, prop for the Kenya Lionesses, has welcomed the Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Associations’ (FEASSSA) intentions to bring rugby 7s to schoolgirls in 2024.
The captain of the Impala Women Saracens told Citizen Digital that the move will help diversify the sport in the country and deepen the national pool in order to expand our possibilities.
“A simple audit will show you, players in the current Lionesses 7s squad mostly come from clubs within Nairobi. Club Impala, for example, has 12 players, and seven are on the national team.
“The introduction of the sevens in school games for girls will enlarge the pool of players from different regions, and will give them more exposure, which will enhance the competition in the national team,” observed Otuoma.
She argues further that scouting for athletes primarily within Nairobi has led to the current crop of players being lazy.
“By scouting players from Nairobi alone, it is possible that laxity is encouraged as players are comfortable their positions are secure. This is even when “I’ve seen schools from Kisii and Coast, the likes of Mazeras and Eregi Girls, investing into the sport. The latest move will therefore help improve the depth and promote the sport at the grassroots,” she noted.
On Sunday, KRU hailed the inclusion of the game in the school’s calendar. The move is intended to promote the growth of women’s rugby 7 in Kenya.
Meanwhile, the National Girls’ 7s Championship qualifiers are proceeding to determine which schools will represent their respective areas at the competition which will take place in Nakuru on October 7 and 8.
During the nationals, Nairobi, the Coast, Central, Nyanza, North Rift, and Western regions will be represented by one team each, while the South Rift will be represented by two.
FEASSSA To Introduce Rugby 7s For Girls In Schools.
