Kenya Rugby Union Coast Region Rugby Development Officer (RDO) Leon Luban’ga has expressed his optimism in his quest to make Malindi a rugby power house, after hosting a “successful” beach rugby tournament.
The event was played on Sunday September 1 at the Buntwani Waterfront Park, attracted teams ranging from high schools to community clubs.
Nairobi-based Karen Crusaders continued with their dominance of the sand version of the game, after seeing off Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) 2-1 to emerge victorious.
Leon, a former KCB and Homeboyz player said the tournament, which was making its return after 9 years, served as a flagship project aimed at growing the game of rugby in Malindi.
“The event was successful, considering it was making a return after a nine year hiatus, I thank all our partners for heeding our call and came on board, Kilifi County through sports CEC Dr. Dama Masha, all participants, media partners and fans,” he said.
“Next year we promise a better and bigger tournament as we aim to invite teams from other regions such Nairobi and Kisumu. We are also looking to add more age grade teams with the intention of growing rugby in Kilifi ” he added.
The two day event not only showcased the region’s talent but also offered an enticing prize for the victorious team, Karen Crusaders, awarded a ten thousand shilling cheque.
The individual award winners were each awarded two packets of maize floor courtesy of Dola limited company, a carton of predator energy drink, two nights for two all-inclusive voucher for the luxurious Diamond Dream of Africa Hotel valid for six months.
Tum Marines Devin Abuga was awarded the Most Valuable Player of the tournament after helping his side reach the finals.
