Well aware of the rivalry that has been drawn between Uganda and Kenya in both the 15s and 7s version of the game, 15s coach Brian Makalama and Women 7s coach Anthony Kinene have joined brains to make sure that the Lady Rugby Cranes qualify for the 2014 women Rugby World Cup in France.
Lady Rugby Cranes
Makalama and Kinene have beefed the squad by joining both 15s and 7s players to gel ahead of the Elgon Cup first leg in Nairobi the reclaim the cup that was last won in 2008.
That year, Uganda won the first leg 12-5 at home and lost the second leg 15-13 claimed the trophy on a 25-20 point aggregate.
In April, the Lady Rugby Cranes met the Kenya Lionesses in Tunisia during the Confederation Africa Rugby Sevens (CAR 7s) tournament where they emerged 12-0 victors.
“This tournament doubles as a semi-final for the 15s aside African World Cup qualifiers and we are not taking it lightly. Our target is winning because we are targeting a world Cup qualification,” Brenda Kayiyi who captained the 7s team in Tunisia stated after training yesterday at Kyadondo.
The two leg tournament will have the winner face South Africa on August 3 for the only slot to represent Africa in France during the women’s 15s world Cup next year.
Assistant coach Anthony Kinene was impressed with the girls’ improvement and is optimistic of good results.
Although Uganda and Kenya have played South Africa several times in the 7 aside code, none of the East African team has ever played South Africa in 15 aside rugby.
Elgon Cup (June 15)
Kenya Uganda
By Johnson Were, The New Vision
