Western retain schools trophy as Kayange says IOC will include 7s

By James Waindi

Western Province yesterday retained the Safari Sevens Schools title after a 19-0 win over rivals and neighbours Nyanza Province.

The defending champions signaled their intent from kick-off, starving Nyanza of the ball and were rewarded with a try midway through the first-half when Leonard Mugaisi touched down after incessant pressure. Fabian Olando converted to give them a 7-0 lead.

Kevin Mukolwe added a second try two minutes before the interval. Olando’s conversion gave Western a 14-0 lead going into the half time break.

The second half saw Nyanza capitulating under Western’s constant bombardment and Mugaisi’s second try virtually killed off whatever ambitions the lakeside boys had. Olando missed the conversion as the match ended 19-0 in Western’s favour.

Meanwhile, national sevens rugby team captain, Humphrey Kayange, is optimistic the sport would be included in the 2016 Olympics Games.

Speaking to FeverPitch yesterday during the second day of the 14th Tusker Safari Sevens at the Rugby Football Union of East Africa (RFUEA) grounds in Nairobi, Kayange said it was high time the sport featured at the Olympics due to its vast popularity globally.

Kayange had been picked by International Rugby Board (IRB) following Kenya’s commendable performance this season to make presentation for the inclusion of

"I am optimistic that rugby would be included in the 2016 Olympic Games. We had a successful presentation to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) board members in Switzerland early this week and I believe rugby would be given a chance at the games.

There were other disciplines also presenting their quest to IOC-softball, golf and karate among others and IOC only need to add two to the already existing 26 disciplines at the Olympic Games. We expect the verdict in August," said Kayange.

Kayange at the same time said Kenya would be under pressure next season after displaying a commendable performance this year, but noted they were ready for the challenge.

"It would be tough and we will be under a lot of pressure to prove our performance this season was not a fluke, but since we have already set the standards, we can only improve on it, he said.

 

 

Read all about: Safari Sevens Schools rugby Tusker Safari Sevens Rugby Football Union of East Africa RFUEA IOC International Rugby Board IRB International Olympic Committee

 

 

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