Africa-Press – Kenya. Prescott Cup champions Ofafa Jericho have been axed from the East Africa schools championship slated for Rwanda next month.
Coach James Kaili said due to budget cuts from the Ministry of Education, only three teams will be going to the regional extravaganza
“We have received communication from the Ministry that only three teams can take part in the tournament. We will, therefore, not grace the championship — a big blow since we had withdrawn from the Nairobi county Sevens championships to focus on the regional tournament,” said Kaili.
Kenya will now be represented by champions Butula, runners-up All Saints from Embu and St Anthonys’ Kitale in rugby 15s set for August 15-30.
Kaili said they have now shifted their focus to the Impala floodlit tournament in October.
“We will prepare for the Floodlit tournament and look at being competitive. I am very keen on the development of the team right now. As we speak, I have 95 players in training where 70 are Form One students,” added Kaili.
The tactician expressed satisfaction with the team’s performances this year.
“Our target this year was to play at the national championships which we did. We also wanted to create depth in the squad which we have. As for the East African games, it’s beyond our control but the boys have vowed to bounce back strongly next year,” he said.
Kaili added they will seek to clinch the schools’ title at the Safari Sevens if Kenya Rugby Union considers the category at the October tournament.
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