In a heated election where eligibility of delegates rose to the fore,
Mwangi garnered 15 of the 31 voted on offer to trounce incumbent
Richard Omwela with 9 votes and Max Muniafu with 6.
What does this mean for Kenyan Rugby?
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Breaking News; Mwangi Muthee new KRU Chairman
Michael Mwangi Muthee is the new Chairperson of the Kenya Rugby Union.
In a heated election where eligibility of delegates rose to the fore,
Mwangi garnered 15 of the 31 voted on offer to trounce incumbent
Richard Omwela with 9 votes and Max Muniafu with 6.
In a heated election where eligibility of delegates rose to the fore,
Mwangi garnered 15 of the 31 voted on offer to trounce incumbent
Richard Omwela with 9 votes and Max Muniafu with 6.
Weekly Ramble
Today is the Kenya Rugby Union Annual General Meeting and part of the agenda will be the election of new office bearers. That the long serving chairman Richard Omwela is up for re-election means all focus will be on this one aspect and other issues brushed over. Equally important are the KRU finances for the previous year and close scrutiny must be paid to these as there is some clever accounting that goes on there. Sticking out like a sore thumb is that the mother entity does not report accounts for it's children, i.e. The Kenya Rugby Limited that handles commercial transactions on behalf of the KRU. Are the directors of this company there by name or by position, and does that mean if they leave office, they leave those positions as well? Can the KRU be in the red whilst an affiliate company is heavily in the black? These are at least some of the questions that should form part of the discussion.
For me I hold no endearment to any of the candidates, but suffice to say we should start asking our officials to be accountable to the clubs, who are the real owners of the Union. Rule by decree is fast losing flavour and overall rebellion as being seen in the Arab World will soon take root everywhere. The West is fast fading as a shining example and the East offers no solutions, but plenty of opportunities. But I digress as usual.
Key to me would be the return to traditional values of the game. Riding on a rollercoaster is fun, but at some point it too stops. Poignant to me is that we have no idea what has led to therelative success of the Sevens team, for if we did, what would be so hard about replicating it at fifteens level? And don't give me the age old money story for as I believe, that's what the board is primarily there for, to find the money! I believe strongly in building grassroots, for sustainability and this is where we must focus. And in ensuring the game is played at a high level countrywide. That the game has been spread I will not challenge, but that it is only at junior level is a shame. That these players either have nowhere to go after school, or are unwilling to join what is existing speaks volumes and that we have no structures at national level to monitor or supervise the growth of the game is also a shame. You lose no control by delegating structures, but you strengthen your own base. And irrespective of who takes control at the helm, we have to find a way to control guide their agenda!
You can read more about who is standing for what here. To all candidates, best of luck from me. Where you shine, I will illuminate, but same for where you fail!
For me I hold no endearment to any of the candidates, but suffice to say we should start asking our officials to be accountable to the clubs, who are the real owners of the Union. Rule by decree is fast losing flavour and overall rebellion as being seen in the Arab World will soon take root everywhere. The West is fast fading as a shining example and the East offers no solutions, but plenty of opportunities. But I digress as usual.
Key to me would be the return to traditional values of the game. Riding on a rollercoaster is fun, but at some point it too stops. Poignant to me is that we have no idea what has led to the
You can read more about who is standing for what here. To all candidates, best of luck from me. Where you shine, I will illuminate, but same for where you fail!
Monday, March 28, 2011
Hong Kong 7's Update: Kenya Win Shield In Hong Kong
Not really our target but a trophy all the same. A lot is being said all around but what amazes me is the complete bewilderment of everyone at our performance. I have repeated it time and again, what makes us expect the team to perform? Our prayers or our direct input into the preparation of the team? Is it our training or the people selected on the team? Is it our natural talent and abilities or the ability of the technical team to make the best of what they have? I refrain from commenting too much on such matters but it would be good to know, just why are we so optimistic?
Anyway, KRU elections this week and my only advice is vote wisely, as the future of our beloved game hangs on that vote.
Anyway, KRU elections this week and my only advice is vote wisely, as the future of our beloved game hangs on that vote.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Friday, March 25, 2011
Hong Kong 7's Update: Kenya 5 Russia 22
Starstruck or dumbfounded? You choose. No defense to speak of and offense fizzling without purpose. Tomorrow Malaysia then Fiji, but we've already written our own script.
Weekend Games
Quiet weekend on the local front, just the boys in Hong Kong. As much as on paper it appears easier to qualify for the next round in the 24-team format, the truth is you are only guaranteed if you top your pool. Coming 2nd is at best a raffle, and that means our work is cut out. Fiji must go down and as security, Malaysia should regret their invite to the event. Not forgetting the little issue of Russia as well!
Behind the boys all the way. One match today, another two tomorrow to qualify. We play Russia at 2.54 p.m. EAT today.
POST UPDATE: The Grandslam to determine the ultimate champions of fifteens rugby (tongue firmly in cheek!) will be played tomorrow between Impala and KCB. No thoughts on that one from me.
Behind the boys all the way. One match today, another two tomorrow to qualify. We play Russia at 2.54 p.m. EAT today.
POST UPDATE: The Grandslam to determine the ultimate champions of fifteens rugby (tongue firmly in cheek!) will be played tomorrow between Impala and KCB. No thoughts on that one from me.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Weekly Ramble
Thought I'd quit, for personal reasons, but let me continue as long as I can. These give me some breaks from my daily grind and just realised maybe my fellow bloggers are also losing their psyche. Just a Fan ran off a long time ago. Quite used to enjoy his analyses of the Kenya international matches both sevens and fifteens. Back2Basics seems depressed as his favorite team is now in the ESS, Wanjala, did a maiden post then vanished. Women's rugby, still waiting for her maiden post. The Real KRFU, like him or hate him, we are all political beings and he brings a spark once in a while to the blog. And Ruggerbug- occasional updates, no more poetry, or prose for us.
On the other hand the comments have kept the blog going. Whether people use their real names, or pseudonyms is a debate I have had with myself for a long time. But maybe everyone needs to vent, to a shrink or in a confessional, without fearing repercussions. Personally, I have vented publicly before, and been labeled a Pariah, PNG, and others. And hence my choice of anonymity. My thoughts were dismissed not for any good reason, but simply for who I was. And that's when I felt, I still needed to air them. Whether listened to or not. Whether useful or not, but to get it off my chest.
The league and cup are over and Kenya Harlequins ran away with both. Luck of the Irish, or sheer superiority is also a debate for another day. But I felt the league was not very competitive. Some shock results occurred, but they were the exception, rather than the norm. With the big money boyz joining the big leagues next season, will there be a change in the established order? It has happened in the past, but only briefly. What matters is the sustainability of such teams. And so long as it is only one or two teams, the bottom falls apart sooner rather than later. What is required is a long term solution, and one that spreads throughout the structure. For this to start out any sponsorship for the league must make a difference to all participating clubs. Put them on an equal footing to start off, and see how the seed grows. I have always favored a bottom-up structure, as opposed to the gravy train inspired top down. And that is what I will always support.
Do have a good week, and do enjoy your rugby.
On the other hand the comments have kept the blog going. Whether people use their real names, or pseudonyms is a debate I have had with myself for a long time. But maybe everyone needs to vent, to a shrink or in a confessional, without fearing repercussions. Personally, I have vented publicly before, and been labeled a Pariah, PNG, and others. And hence my choice of anonymity. My thoughts were dismissed not for any good reason, but simply for who I was. And that's when I felt, I still needed to air them. Whether listened to or not. Whether useful or not, but to get it off my chest.
The league and cup are over and Kenya Harlequins ran away with both. Luck of the Irish, or sheer superiority is also a debate for another day. But I felt the league was not very competitive. Some shock results occurred, but they were the exception, rather than the norm. With the big money boyz joining the big leagues next season, will there be a change in the established order? It has happened in the past, but only briefly. What matters is the sustainability of such teams. And so long as it is only one or two teams, the bottom falls apart sooner rather than later. What is required is a long term solution, and one that spreads throughout the structure. For this to start out any sponsorship for the league must make a difference to all participating clubs. Put them on an equal footing to start off, and see how the seed grows. I have always favored a bottom-up structure, as opposed to the gravy train inspired top down. And that is what I will always support.
Do have a good week, and do enjoy your rugby.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Enterprise Cup Finals
A sprighty affair, dampened drenched by a second half downpour. If you had not played your rugby by that time it was all over, and maybe that was the key. Kudos to Harlequins for an unchallenged season and keep the momentum up. To the other teams, maybe pray harder as there are several games Quins could have lost this season, but the other teams failed to drill the final nail in their coffin. Does the Supremacy cup then matter so much? Is the winner the ultimate champion of 15's rugby this season? Maybe change this game from a supremacy cup to a pre-season charity cup, as they do in other countries!
Do have a good week and Pedantic, I'm very much around... just wondering about MinerData!
Do have a good week and Pedantic, I'm very much around... just wondering about MinerData!
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Quins retain Enterprise
Battle hardened Quins pip clueless Impala to win Enterprise again
Quins 10 Impala 3
Friday, March 18, 2011
Weekend Games
Enterprise Cup finals this weekend and one of the fiercest derbies around. Harlequins lead the count 2 out of 2 this season, one a lucky break so this is really personal. Both teams play a balanced game using both their forwards and backs equally with Quins emphasising on forward play and Impala quick to gain ground with their backs. Game will be very high tempo and hopefully not high tempered. Refereeing will be a factor in this game I believe and goal kicking will not matter much. I give a high scoring match, with 20+ scores on both sides. Impala's ability to break the back line relatively easily will be the decider here and I give them this by 3 points.
On Homeboyz vs KCB I think Homeboyz are braced for a double and there is little KCB can do, even by beefing up the team, that can stop this.
Do have a good weekend and enjoy your rugby.
On Homeboyz vs KCB I think Homeboyz are braced for a double and there is little KCB can do, even by beefing up the team, that can stop this.
Do have a good weekend and enjoy your rugby.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Ayimba Names Strongest Side Yet for Hong Kong
In what seems to be the strongest side to date, it seems all caution has been throwed out of the window and we're now on safety first. Though fortune favours the brave, they are soon jobless and this is a clear attempt to blunt the swords that are ever ready. We will be happy, but for me, just counting the age of the legs on the pitch and I'm worried. One day, they just won't want to run anymore then...
The team
Humphrey Kayange - Mwamba RFC [Captain]
Lavin Asego - Mwamba RFC
Oscar Ouma - Nakuru RFC
Gibson Weru - Nakuru RFC
Horace Otieno - Mwamba RFC
Sidney Ashioya - Kenya Harlequin FC
Collins Injera - Mwamba RFC
Biko Adema - Nondescripts RFC
Ben Nyambu - Nondescripts RFC
Leon Adongo - Kenya Harlequin FC
Andrew Amonde - KCB RFC
William Ambaka - Kenya Harlequin FC
Non Travelling Reserves
Peter Ocholla - Impala RFC
Patrice Agunda - Kenya Harlequin FC
Lawrence Buyachi - Impala RFC
Management
Benjamin Ayimba - Head Coach
Felix Ochieng - Assistant Coach
Newton Ong'alo - Team Manager
George Odhiambo - Physiotherapist
Geoffrey Kimani - Strength & Conditioning Coach
Enterprise Cup Semi Finals
Quite different from the quarters and just wondering, when will an underdog next win this cup as has happened in the past? The thrill of knockouts and where anything goes just does not seem to work any more. Is the divide growing? Do the resources matter? Does sheer heart matter? Can determination alone do it? Maybe soon. Do have a good week.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Enterprise Cup Results 12.3.11
Quins whitewash stubborn Strathmore
Impala bottle up Nondies
Impala bottle up Nondies
Quins 41 Strathmore Leos 22
Impala 32 Nondies 10
Enterprise Cup Final
Quins vs Impala
19.3.11
Friday, March 11, 2011
Weekend Games
Sorry for my hiatus.... just when it was getting interesting. Was bit indisposed but all's well now...
Enterprise Cup semi finals tomorrow. Quins host Strathmore and Impala host Nondies. The defending champions scraped through by the skin of their sword last weekend and seem to be taking an early holiday. However, though Strathmore appear much improved, the odds are stacked too highly against them and I see them falling heavily. Quins by 12 on this one. They would however have achieved much and should be proud of their season. In the other game I also do not see Nondies having two big weekends. Impala are out to prove that they are still a force to reckon with and will not fall to Nondies under any circumstances. Impala by 12 as well.
Do enjoy your weekend and do enjoy the rugby.
Enterprise Cup semi finals tomorrow. Quins host Strathmore and Impala host Nondies. The defending champions scraped through by the skin of their sword last weekend and seem to be taking an early holiday. However, though Strathmore appear much improved, the odds are stacked too highly against them and I see them falling heavily. Quins by 12 on this one. They would however have achieved much and should be proud of their season. In the other game I also do not see Nondies having two big weekends. Impala are out to prove that they are still a force to reckon with and will not fall to Nondies under any circumstances. Impala by 12 as well.
Do enjoy your weekend and do enjoy the rugby.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
KRFU and Quins war breaks out in press as elections loom large
Simmering tensions between the two have finally erupted in the press
over use of facilities at the RFUEA ground.
over use of facilities at the RFUEA ground.
Not a good sign for the game but all sides urged to settle the
differences (or scores?)
Or is it election fever with KRFU chairman Richard Omwela feeling the
heat of his opponents Michael Mwangi Muthee and Mad Max Muniafu both
who go with the initials MMM curiously.
One thing certain and within the context of the jurisdiction of the
KRFU constitution is that Sabwa, Nigga Odhiambo and Fred Ollows cannot
wait to see the back of Omwela who is a sure bet to lose the coming
elections. Only GM Auka seems to be putting in a word for Omwela among
the voters but this is unlikely to turn the tide.
Omwela has capitulated to club demands and agreed to hold the
elections at RFUEA. Earlier Nairobi Club a non traditional rugby venue
but more so comfortable for cigars and cocktails was the hitherto
chosen venue. This was seen as a move to lock out many rugby diehards
particularly the 'much loved' Ministry of Rugby.
By bringing Quins to the frontline of his wars Omwela has cheapened
himself by trying to distract the real agenda of the elections.
Muniafu has galvanised the clubs and in particular the Bungoma rugby
vehicle project is his brainchild. This time round clubs are not
buying Omwela's vibes and are ready to part ways with him.
The Barclays/Machine axis have a grind to pick with Omwela as he has
failed to save Mean Machine from relegation yet a season ago he and GM
Auka Gecheo spared Nondies from the axe. Its now payback time for them
and with glee. All will watching from HQ.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Scotland wary of a rampant England
Scotland have announced they are going to target Chris Ashton when they play England in the Calcutta Cup, but they could be punished by others if they focus all their attentions on one man.
The two teams could not have had contrasting fortunes in the Six Nations so far, as Scotland are staring at the prospect of the derided 'wooden spoon' after their three losses, while they travel to Twickenham to face an unbeaten England side gunning for the Grand Slam.
Scotland have not won at the home of English rugby since 1983 and not many fans will fancy their chances of ending that run as England have looked impressive in the Six Nations.
Ashton has taken most of the headlines so far for England with his six tries, but across the park Martin Johnson's side have looked dangerous and capable of racking up points and anyone looking to bet on Six Nations action should remember this.
Toby Flood looks to have come of age and even if he does not play due to injury England can call on the one-and-only Johnny Wilkinson. Along with Ashton, the duo of Ben Foden and Mark Cueto are both able to punish the Scotland defence if they focus too much of their attention on Ashton and Ashton only.
Scotland's defence coach Graham Steadman has the unenviable job of preparing the visitors for the challenge at Twickenham and even he accepts just how good England have looked this Six Nations – and how they are capable of destroying a team.
"They're playing with a lot of confidence. They've got strike players right across the park," he said.
England man Ben Youngs reckons Johnson's side should not underestimate the challenge Scotland will pose for them at Twickenham despite what the Six Nations 2011 betting might suggest.
The extra rivalry between the two sides will ensure there is some added spice to the game and another win for England will see them go into their final clash with Ireland supremely confident that they can win the Grand Slam.
The two teams could not have had contrasting fortunes in the Six Nations so far, as Scotland are staring at the prospect of the derided 'wooden spoon' after their three losses, while they travel to Twickenham to face an unbeaten England side gunning for the Grand Slam.
Scotland have not won at the home of English rugby since 1983 and not many fans will fancy their chances of ending that run as England have looked impressive in the Six Nations.
Ashton has taken most of the headlines so far for England with his six tries, but across the park Martin Johnson's side have looked dangerous and capable of racking up points and anyone looking to bet on Six Nations action should remember this.
Toby Flood looks to have come of age and even if he does not play due to injury England can call on the one-and-only Johnny Wilkinson. Along with Ashton, the duo of Ben Foden and Mark Cueto are both able to punish the Scotland defence if they focus too much of their attention on Ashton and Ashton only.
Scotland's defence coach Graham Steadman has the unenviable job of preparing the visitors for the challenge at Twickenham and even he accepts just how good England have looked this Six Nations – and how they are capable of destroying a team.
"They're playing with a lot of confidence. They've got strike players right across the park," he said.
England man Ben Youngs reckons Johnson's side should not underestimate the challenge Scotland will pose for them at Twickenham despite what the Six Nations 2011 betting might suggest.
The extra rivalry between the two sides will ensure there is some added spice to the game and another win for England will see them go into their final clash with Ireland supremely confident that they can win the Grand Slam.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Enterprise Cup Results 5.3.11
Quins snatch victory from KCB
Impala brush off resistance from Machine
Strathmore upset Nakuru
Nondies silence Mwamba
Impala brush off resistance from Machine
Strathmore upset Nakuru
Nondies silence Mwamba
Quins 23 KCB 22
Impala 56 Mean Machine 19
Strathmore 12 Nakuru 5
Nondies 36 Mwamba 19
Semi Final pairing
Quins v Strathmore
Impala v Nondies
Friday, March 4, 2011
Provisional XV Squad Named
Coach Tank Otieno has named a provisional 35-man squad to begin preparations for this years assignments. The squad is as follows.
1. Daniel Kiptoo - Kenya Harlequin FC
2. Joel Nganga - Kenya Harlequin FC
3. Vincent Ongera - Kenya Harlequin FC
4. Dennis Abenga - Impala RFC
5. Edwin Alubaka - KCB RFC
6. Derrick Wamalwa - KCB RFC
7. Curtis Lilako - KCB RFC
8. Ronnie Mwenesi - KCB RFC
9. Jared Owino - Kenya Harlequin FC
10. Wilson Kopondo - Kenya Harlequin FC
11. Anthony Mutai - Kenya Harlequin FC
12. Andrew Amonde - KCB RFC
13. Oscar Ouma - Nakuru RFC
14. David Mogere - Kenya Harlequin FC
15. Max Adaga - KCB RFC
16. Victor Oduor - Kenya Harlequin FC
17. Michael Aung - Nondescripts RFC
18. Lawrence Buyachi - Impala RFC
19. Duncan Ekasi - Impala RFC
20. Moses Kola - Impala RFC
21. Charles Kanyi - Nondescripts RFC
22. Peter Mutai - KCB RFC
23. Nato Simiyu - Impala RFC
24. Isaac Adimo - Kenya Harlequin FC
25. Ken Andola - Strathmore RFC
26. Patrice Agunda - Kenya Harlequin FC
27. Peter Abuoga - Kenya Harlequin FC
28. Victor Sudi - Kenya Harlequin FC
29. Vincent Mose - Impala RFC
30. Kelvin Omiyo - Impala RFC
31. Anthony Nyandigisi - Impala RFC
32. Dennis Ombachi - Mwamba RFC
33. Innocent Simiyu - Impala RFC
34. Calvin Biko - KCB RFC
35. Mathew Musita - KCB RFC
MANAGEMENT
1.Michael Otieno - Head Coach
2.Edward Kinyany - Assistant Coach
3.Charles Ngovi - Assistant Coach
4.Wangila Simiyu - Team Manager
5.Chris Makachia - Physiotherapist
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Pressure is England's biggest test
A further solid victory over France at Twickenham on Saturday is leaving Martin Johnsons England team in great shape ahead of the this Septembers World Cup and a potential Grand slam, as they head into the remaining Six nations games with Scotland and Ireland on the back of three convincing wins.
The excitement and buzz around Twickenham at the full time whistle on Saturday, is a result of an exciting and fresh England team who have made incredible strides with their performances over the last few months. On the verge of a grand slam, the excitement of England fans is understandable. But despite trying to remain optimistic, I do fear that English supporters may get ahead of themselves. The irony of performing well, results in additional pressure and expectation on the young English team from the English fans and media. This could be the deciding factor in England's success whose main weakness is their experience of being in high pressured situations. Their recent goalwire live scores have been good, but that doesn't guarantee future success.
As the country gets excited, more and more comparisons are made between the current team and their potential to emulate the 2003 World Cup winning team of which Johnson captained.
Fortunately Martin Jonson is quick to play down the future potential of his team as he refuses to look beyond the next game and their current rugby live scores.
Of course it is human nature to get carried away and hope for the best for our national teams. But too many times in sport do we see that the hyped up expectations and pressure from us fans and media, is actually one of the most difficult obstacles to overcome to achieve success.
Comparisons with the team of 2003 are certainly too premature. Johnson's men certainly have the ability to defy the odds and bring home the world cup in September but they lack the experience which was the core of the 2003 team's success. It would be certainly sensible to relax the hype around England's hope when heading to New Zealand, in order to give them the best chance of victory.
The excitement and buzz around Twickenham at the full time whistle on Saturday, is a result of an exciting and fresh England team who have made incredible strides with their performances over the last few months. On the verge of a grand slam, the excitement of England fans is understandable. But despite trying to remain optimistic, I do fear that English supporters may get ahead of themselves. The irony of performing well, results in additional pressure and expectation on the young English team from the English fans and media. This could be the deciding factor in England's success whose main weakness is their experience of being in high pressured situations. Their recent goalwire live scores have been good, but that doesn't guarantee future success.
As the country gets excited, more and more comparisons are made between the current team and their potential to emulate the 2003 World Cup winning team of which Johnson captained.
Fortunately Martin Jonson is quick to play down the future potential of his team as he refuses to look beyond the next game and their current rugby live scores.
Of course it is human nature to get carried away and hope for the best for our national teams. But too many times in sport do we see that the hyped up expectations and pressure from us fans and media, is actually one of the most difficult obstacles to overcome to achieve success.
Comparisons with the team of 2003 are certainly too premature. Johnson's men certainly have the ability to defy the odds and bring home the world cup in September but they lack the experience which was the core of the 2003 team's success. It would be certainly sensible to relax the hype around England's hope when heading to New Zealand, in order to give them the best chance of victory.
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