By Rodgers Omondi, Busia
Busia Border rucks RFC from Matayos Sub County and Nanderema Shining Stars from Samia Sub county are the champions in both men’s and women’s category in the inaugural Odilo Rugby sevens in Busia.
The tournament which was organized by the Odilo Care Foundation under the patronship of Busia County speaker Fredrick Odilo brought together 12 teams from the seven sub counties in County.
Speaking during the awarding of the winning teams at Mundika boys high school, Busia County assembly speaker Fredrick Odilo said the tournament will be taking place every year to help in identifying and nurturing talents in Busia County.
“We have kicked off the journey of identifying and nurturing talents in our county. We have many of our boys and girls who have the potential of playing but they have not been given an avenue to showcase their talent and this is an opportunity for them. We want to be doing this each and every year and make it a routine.”
Odilo further added that there is a need to differentiate politics and sports activities that can help the youth in the country.
“Sports is not politics and what we have started today is to bring youth together through sports and help by unlocking the opportunities for those who are able. We want to urge other leaders who can plan activities that can help our youth to come out and help our young girls and boys for them to be free from crime and drug addiction” he said.
Busia Border rucks RFC team manager Anold Webi said there is a need of having more tournaments that can help to identify many talents.
“There are many talents in Busia County but there is no support from the leadership. We are just calling for their support because rugby in this county has potential and we have many teams across the county which no one is focusing at” he said.
His sentiments were echoed by Isaac Otieno, captain Busia Border rucks RFC who said the county lacks better infrastructure that can help to improve the sport.
“We do train at the Busia stadium but the condition of the ground is not conducive for this sport. We need the leadership to focus on this sport too so that we can continue to do better . We are playing in the national championship league at the lower level and we are working hard as a team to move up with the hope of playing in the national rugby league” he said.
Nanderema Shining Stars coach Emanuel Rakama said they have experienced a lot of challenges including the training gears calling for more support for the girls.
“We are trying as a team but the girls lack essentials including the training gears and balls which we have been borrowing for the girls to use. These girls are hardworking and as a club if we can get support, we can do better in the sports.” He said
Elizabeth Anyango, the team’s captain stated that Odilo sevens has given them an opportunity to showcase their talents calling for more tournaments that will bring more exposure to them.
“We want to nurture our talent but, in our county, the sport is not being supported. We have decided to lead and be pioneers of this game in Busia County and tell everyone that girls too can play rugby. We are calling for the support from gears to balls because for the last two years we have been using one ball. We are ready to go outside Busia county and do great work if we get support” she said
