Rugby and boxing stakeholders call for support

Stakeholders in rugby and boxing sports are urging national and county governments to participate in enhancing the sports by improving facilities, funding and recognition.

According to coaches Joseph Baabu of Mwamba men's rugby and Michael Ragot of Ongata Rongai boxing club the year 2023 brought mixed results for their teams.

 Mwamba started the Kenya Cup opening match with a loss against Black Blad, while Ongata failed to achieve exemplary results at the national competitions.

“We bowed to defeat in our first two matches against Black Blad and Kenya Harlequins our misfortunes in the senior team were because of the injuries and the departure of key players. However, the ESS team recorded good results winning against Harlequins a narrow 29-28,” said Baabu.

On his Part, Ragot has acknowledged their milestones despite not showcasing their training to the best level at the nationals.

“Though we didn’t perform to our expectation we nurtured new pugilists who played in the boxing exhibitions and even the recent National Youth Championships.”

The coaches have expressed their commitment to improving tactics for success in early 2024 matches.

 However, according to Baabu, they are not after the cup but will heavily focus on rebuilding the team while putting in efforts to avoid relegation.

Ragot noted that rugby is an evolving sport and as a club they have changed their training to match the modern day boxing while also increasing spurring days for the boxers.

The Rongai based coach has called on the leadership for support.

“We would be grateful if the county government of Kajiado would come in and offer support by paying school fees for some of our talents and also equip us with gloves and headgears for the contact game. The national government should also recognise and award boxers so that other young Kenyans can take pride in the sport.”