KENYA LIONS THE NEW AFRICAN CHAMPIONS

 The Kenya XV’s rugby in Kenya has really gone up and believe me when I say they are going places. The team did us proud by lifting the CAR division 1A title. All those who watched the finals of the Division 1A between Kenya and Zimbabwe can attest to this. Kenya defeated Zimbabwe who were the defending champions 29-17. This seems to be a pretty good year for the Kenya Lions who after lifting the Elgon Cup just last month, have now added the African Cup. As expected the game was not a walk in the park and this could be seen how both teams looked drained but it was Kenya Lions who emerged victorious of the two teams.

Kenya Lions (photo-KRU)

As usual the first try was made by the Lions and the try scorer was Joseph Kangethe a few minutes after kick off. For those who don’t know Kangethe is a prop. A second try was scored and converted successfully making the scores 12-0. Zimbabwe quickly got back into the game and reduced the gap to 12-11 this was the score at half time.

 I can say that Jerome Paarwater really knows his stuff because in the second half he made key substitutions which really changed the tempo of game. Andrew Amonde came in for Chisanga and this was a really good decision because in terms of experience Andrew Amonde is the better choice. The other substitution was Oscar Ayodi was replaced by Fabian Olando and Ronnie Mwenesi came in for Oliver Mangeni. Oliver is more a line out guru whereas Ronnie fits in very well, he is a strong back row   I believe the scores could have been higher if we utilized our chances. The Lions were getting into Zimbabwe’s 22 yard line like four times without getting anything. The lions gave away possession mostly through turn overs.  When the forwards got the chance in Zimbabwe’s 22 they utilized it. They pushed the ball over the try line in a moll.

 The win over Zimbabwe saw us climb in the IRB world rankings to 31 from 37.This make us the 3^rd on the continent behind behind South Africa who are2^nd in the world and Namibia who are 23^rd. Zimbabwe are now 32, Morocco also came up to 37^th in the rankings after defeating Uganda who are now ranked 51.

 It does not end there, after this the Lions need should start preparing for next year’s 1A Championship against Namibia who are much stronger side, but the game is 8 months away so if the team starts working towards the game now I don’t see why we can’t humble Namibia. All we need to do is just prepare in advance and play more friendlies against stronger sides to better our game.

With that ladies and gentlemen, Sayonara!

By GARVIN OKERE