Mong'ina: Kinale Girls sensation eyes Kenya Lionesses call-up

Kinale Girls' rising rugby star, Josephine Kerubo Mong'ina, has her sights set on representing the national team, the Kenya Lionesses.

The talented youngster was named the 2024 Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) Most Valuable Player after an outstanding performance that propelled Kinale Girls to a second-place finish at the nationals in Kisii County.

Originally an athlete, Mong'ina switched to rugby after being convinced by her coach, Allan Bush. Since then, she has emerged as one of the most exciting prospects in school rugby.

Speaking to Citizen Digital, Mong'ina revealed that she draws inspiration from Kenya Lionesses speedster Freshia Awino Oduor and Kenya 7s and Kabras RFC powerhouse forward Kevin Wekesa. Like her idols, she dreams of playing professional rugby abroad, a goal that fuels her dedication and hard work on the pitch.

Her immediate focus, however, is to help Kinale Girls dominate the secondary school rugby circuit. She and her teammates are determined to win both the KSSSA National 7s and the East African championship this year.

"Our goal is to win the KSSSA National 7s and the East Africa title,” she said. "Last year, we finished second after losing to St. Joseph's Girls Kitale, but this time, we are going for the championship.”

Mong'ina recently showcased her brilliance by scoring an astonishing 17 tries in a local competition in Meru, leading Kinale Girls to victory and securing a Ksh 1 million cash prize.

With her blistering pace, sharp footwork, and relentless determination, Mong'ina is well on her way to making her dreams a reality.