Little-known Kinale Girls ready to upset giants in KSSSA term two rugby 7s

As the 2024 Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) Term Two games approach, a wave of excitement is sweeping through the corridors of Kinale Girls High School. Nestled in the serene highlands of the Lari sub-county, Kiambu County, this institution is not typically known for its athletic prowess.

However, 2024 promises to be a turning point, especially in the arena of rugby sevens, where the school's team is gearing up to upset the giants of rugby when the sub-county games commence on June 15th.

Citizen Digital had the opportunity to catch up with the man behind the Kinale Girls High School rugby team, Coach Allan Bush. His insights shed light on the team’s rigorous preparation and their lofty ambitions.

Bush is not new to girls' rugby; he previously handled Gilgil Vumbi and Pioneer Academy, leading both teams to success. With a background rich in rugby experience and a passion for nurturing young talent, Bush has transformed the Kinale Girls rugby squad from novices to formidable contenders.

"When I first arrived, many of the girls had never picked up a rugby ball," he reminisces. "But their determination and willingness to learn have been inspiring."

Under his guidance, the team has undergone intensive training sessions focusing on physical fitness, technical skills, and strategic gameplay.

"We've worked on building their stamina, strength, and agility. But more importantly, we've instilled a sense of teamwork and discipline," Bush explains.

For the first time in its history, Kinale Girls High School is setting its sights on the East African championships. The team will be making its second appearance in the KSSSA games, having flopped last year by losing all their pool matches. This time, they are out with a formidable side, with all eyes set on the Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association (FEASSSA).

This ambitious target is a dream and a goal rooted in their hard-earned progress.

"Our primary aim is to make it through the national level and secure a spot in the East African games," says Bush. "We know it's a challenging road, but we're ready to take it on."

The prospect of competing on an international stage has injected a new level of motivation into the team. The girls are not just playing for victory; they are playing to make history for their school and inspire future generations.

"Seeing the potential in these girls and knowing what it would mean for them and the school community if we made it to East Africa is what drives me daily," Bush confides.

Coach Bush is optimistic about their chances. "The beauty of rugby sevens is its unpredictability. It's a game where strategy and quick thinking can turn the tables. We've trained our girls to be smart players, to read the game and adapt swiftly," he explains.

Kinale Girls will battle against Bathi, Gitithia Mixed, Gituamba, Kambaa, and Kijambe to secure a ticket to the county level.