Now that you are all sober, most probably broke and up to your neck in debts, and the only thing you can pay is attention, let’s get to the rugby. Happy new year by the way..
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| A great year for the 15’s side |
First, looking back to the year that was 2011, an eventful one as far as rugby goes. One that saw the fifteens side crawl from the shadow of their sevens colleagues. With an African championship under their belts (or is it shorts, no let’s not go there), an impressive outing in the four nations, among the highlights of their year 2011.
On the other hand, the year wasn’t as kind to the sevens squad, as they struggled to keep up the form that saw them become darlings of the world, a fact that eventually saw a change of guard and personnel in the team. The new team is yet to settle but does show a load of promise to those with eyes. 2011 was the year that saw the safari sevens move to the Nyayo stadium, in an effort to bring the sport closer to the masses and in that context it was a success. It was also the year of two Impala Floodlite tournaments both with unlikely but no less deserving winners, Strathmore and Machine.
Harlequins dominated the 15’s scene winning the Kenya cup without losing a match, but they did draw one. As Mwamba continued their sevens dominance by picking up the overall title. The Nakuru 10’s was again shared this time between Strath and their hosts, isn’t it about time that they invested in floodlights? The Homeboyz one night stand in it’s second year graduated to a tens format, was won by a re-enforced Mwamba side, this year am expecting a fifteens tournament in the spirit of progress. The game also benefited a lot during this year from cooperate sponsorship, as several clubs received the much needed support.
2011 though will be remembered by most as the year the politics of the game took centre stage, first with the election of Mr. Shairman (Walker Texas Ranger) ousting the long serving Richard Omwela then a boycott of the league by the ‘elite’ clubs due to the irregular promotion of some clubs. All is well that ends well, despite all..2011 ended well, with great prospects in 2012.
The Kenya cup action resumes with game week 5 on 7.01.2012, here are the fixtures:
Kisumu Vs Homeboyz (Kisumu Poly.)
Machine Vs Strathmore (UoN grounds)
Impala Vs Mwamba (Impala grounds)
Harlequins Vs Nondies (RFUEA)
KCB Vs Nakuru (Ruaraka)
The Eric Shirley Shield Fixtures
Western Bulls Vs Homeboyz II (Kisumu Ploy.)
Machine II Vs Strathmore II (UoN)
Impala II Vs Mwamba II (Impala)
Quins II Vs Nondies II (RFUEA)
KCB II Vs Nakuru II (Ruaraka)
What a way to kick off the year, its times like these that I wish I could teleport, but since am just a man I have to pick one game, a huge dilemma. First up is the derby between the oldest clubs in Kenya, Quins vs Nondies, these two bring their A game every time they meet, this time more than ever. Quins find themselves having to play catch up with the current leaders and any lost points will dent their defence of the title. Us guys of Nondies are still without a win in this campaign, what better way to put the season back in order than a win over your fiercest rivals?
To another derby, the university derby, the XVII crew comes up against the Eschuma Absolute comrades. Last time these two met a few weeks ago, Strath took it by the cuffs of their nails, 10-5 the final score (but you already know that, you read it here right?) expect machine to fight grass, blood and sweat as they host their arch rivals. Strath on the other hand still with a real challenge at the title and a true belief towards the same will look to see off their fellow students and march on with their bragging rights intact.
The other fixtures see Impala host the league leaders kulabu who are keen to keep their momentum at the top going, according to player/coach tito they really want it this time out. Impala will be looking to put their shaky start behind them and make a statement to their rivals with a win over the black shirts.
Unbeaten KCB host the Wanyore at the den in what promises to be an explosive encounter, the lions looking to keep their 100% record intact, the wanyore looking to be the first side to inflict defeat on the bankers. The league’s surprise package, the homeboyz have a tricky assignment as they travel to Kisumu, their hosts still licking their wounds after the punishment they received at the hands of kulabu, will be keen to avoid a repeat. The Djs will be confident of a result but as I said it’s a tricky looking fixture.
My feature match was a hard choice to come to, what with all these mouth watering fixtures to choose from? But in the end I have to go with the University derby. So look out for my lens as you dive for the try ama as you sit down after a stool either way ni nyi namulika! The sevens players will be available for their respective clubs so expect full strength sides on display, though with a few additions here and there. The ‘Old farm’ derby will have a notable new face lined up, and a returning one.
Apart from choosing which match to watch, the hardest decision I had to make this year was to choose the player of the year 2011. I rolled and turned, scratched my head, neck and beard (coming soon) trying to pick that one player whether 7’s or 15’s that had the greatest impact on 2011. I asked a few pals around and they could not reach that one name, so in my wisdom I have decided to pass it on to you, I have narrowed down the list to the 10 names on most people’s minds, and created a poll. It will be up for the whole of January, so take your time. Here are the finalists in no particular order:
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Patrice Agunda (Quins)
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Dennis Mwanja (KCB)
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Oscar Ouma (Nakuru)
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Victor Sudi (Quins)
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Peter Mutai (KCB)
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Ken Moseti (Homeboyz)
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Humphrey Kayange (Mwamba)
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Collins Injera (Mwamba)
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Nato Simiyu (Impala)
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Felix Ayange (Strathmore)
The names speak for themselves so get voting, the poll is on your right, it goes without saying, vote wisely. Ladies this is not a beauty contest, thank you.
I had to narrow the names to 10 who had a consistent positive impact in 2011, the following though deserve a mention, Kevin Umbuge, Victor Mose, Ken Andola, Tony Onyango, Brian Okwomi, Lawrence Buyachi, David Ambunya, Sidney Ashioya, Andrew Amonde, ni wengi if I were to mention all of them I’d put up 5 posts, so to all that had a great 2011 mnajijua, 3 cheers to y’all, keep it up 2012 has greater things in store.
Think I’ll also do a young player of the year..a player under the age of 23 who has been hitting above his weight and age throughout the year, I’ll take suggestions, so place yours in the comments section. Team of the year? Well it’s quite obvious here The Kenya Harlequins take it, even their greatest critcs admit they had a great year. I hope to do more elaborate and wide reaching polls in the future, female player of the year, referee of the year hell even fan of the year,a proper ceremony maybe, Inshallah.
Whispers of a shake up in the sevens squad are getting louder, nothing solid so I won’t touch on it, naweza post hapa eti mguys amelimwa axe na squad ikitoka ako inside so be patient won’t you?
With that ladies and gentlemen….
KWISHA!!!! (I should say Anza since it’s a New Year ama?)
