The Kitale-based JOGA girls’ rugby team, officially known as the JOGA Rugby Team, have made a significant mark by winning the Scrummage Katch 7s tournament. This victory sets them up as strong contenders for the upcoming Kenya Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) Term Two girls’ rugby competition.
Head coach Godwin Alumada, in an exclusive interview with Citizen Digital, expressed immense pride in the team’s recent performance. He emphasized their preparedness for the upcoming school games, which will kick off with the zonal competitions on May 31, 2024.
Alumada praised the team’s resilience and determination, key qualities that helped them clinch the title at the Scrummage Katch 7s and will be crucial for their future matches.
“Am proud of the girls for the spirited fight they put in Kakamega over the weekend despite the weather and few injuries, they went on to clinch the title against a worthy opponent in the form of Pioneer Academy,” he stated.
Key to their aspirations is the trio of Salma Akoth, Linda Kagwiria, and Jacky Kagwiria, who were part of the Kenya Lionesses U18 side which took part in the Youth Olympics held on August 4, 2023 in the islands of Trinidad and Tobago.
Alumada stated the availability of the three girls in his squad brings invaluable experience and leadership to the team, and will undoubtedly rely on their expertise to lead the charge to victory.
“They are very young players who have already tested the international stage experience, they will be very key in our campaign that we are all aware of the targets which are to clinch the national title and see what’s next afterward,” Alumada noted.
St Joseph Girls Kitale also boasts a strong roster, with 14 players who have competed in the just concluded KRU Women’s Kenya Cup League while representing Rongo University.
“You see this exposure to high-level competition not only enhances their skills but also instills a winning mentality essential for success at the national level, am confident they will deliver, we are ready for the competition as you can see we have rested, we arrived yesterday and resumed training immediately,” he concluded.
As anticipation builds for the upcoming Kenya Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) Term Two girls’ rugby competition, St Joseph Girls Kitale stands poised to make a significant impact.
The team aims to etch their name in the history books as the first to win the KSSSA girls’ rugby competition on their debut. With their recent triumph at the Scrummage Katch 7s tournament, they have already demonstrated their potential and readiness to tackle the challenges ahead.
The team’s dedication and determination, guided by head coach Godwin Alumada, have set high expectations for their performance in the upcoming school games.
