Fresh from ending St Joseph’s Girls Kitale’s dominance in the Rift Valley, Itigo Girls High School are determined to prove that their regional triumph was no fluke as they prepare for the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) National Rugby Sevens Championships in Thika.
The Nandi county champions head to the national competition full of confidence after producing one of the biggest upsets at the Rift Valley Games in Narok, where they stunned former champions St Joseph’s Girls Kitale 19-0 in the final to lift the regional title.
The victory marked a major milestone for the school, ending the dominance of one of the region’s most successful rugby programmes and earning Itigo a place among the country’s elite school teams. The players now believe they have what it takes to compete with the best at the national level.
Head coach Joachim Melly said the historic victory has inspired the team but insisted the players remain focused on the bigger task ahead.
“Winning the Rift Valley championship boosted the girls’ confidence, but our mission is not complete. Every team at the nationals has earned its place, so we must stay disciplined, work hard and give our best in every match,” said Melly.
He noted that the technical bench has been working on improving the team’s defence, ball handling and decision-making to ensure the players are ready for the intensity of the national competition.
Team captain Gracias Chebet said the squad is eager to show that its regional success was deserved and not a one-off performance.
“Many people underestimated us before the Rift Valley finals, but we believed in ourselves. We now want to prove that we belong among the country’s best teams by competing for the national title, “she said.
Assistant captain Mitchele Mmboga noted that the players have embraced the expectations that come with being regional champions.
“Our victory has motivated us to work even harder. We know other teams will be ready for us because of what we achieved in Narok, but we are equally prepared for the challenge,” she said.
Head of Sports Elias Kemboi praised the team’s steady improvement throughout the season, expressing confidence that the players can compete strongly against the country’s top schools.
“They have shown commitment, discipline and teamwork throughout the season. Their progress has been remarkable, and we believe they have what it takes to compete at the highest level,”said Kemboi.
While flagging off the team today, Chief Principal Juliah Kimenjo Samoei urged the girls to remain united, disciplined and determined as they seek national glory.
“The girls have already made history by winning the Rift Valley championship. We now encourage them to stay focused, play as a team and seize the opportunity to make another milestone by bringing the national trophy home,” she said.
The national championships, set for August 2 to 6 in Thika, will bring together the best school rugby sevens teams from across the country. Besides battling for the national title, participating teams will also be chasing qualification for the East Africa school games in Morogoro, Tanzania, as Itigo Girls seek to crown a remarkable season with continental qualification.
