Monday 15 July 2013 – A triumphant National rugby 15’s team the Kenya Lions arrived on Monday a day after their stunning win of the Confederation of African Rugby’s Division 1A championships title at the Stade Municipal de Mahamasina in Antananaravivo, Madagascar.
Kenya who beat defending champions Zimbabwe 29-17 in the final, were hosted to a grand breakfast in their honor at the Sarova Panafric by Migaa.
Migaa rewarded the victorious Kenyan team with a Ksh 500,000 cash award that they had promised the team prior to their departure to Madagascar.
Migaa Director Mike Karanja said, “We at Migaa believe in living up to our promise and that is why we hand over this cash reward to the victorious side. Our association with this team is certainly bearing fruits. They were crowned Elgon Cup champions last month, and have now been crowned champions of Africa. This certainly proves that there is so much that this team can attain and we would like to assure all and sundry that we will help Kenya attain its 2015 Rugby World Cup dream.”
The new Africa champions are now slated to play Namibia in the Africa Zone of the International Rugby Board World Cup qualifiers after their title win.
In the RWC qualifiers, the winner of the CAR trophy plays the fourth team. Namibia has been promoted to the top tier while the second-placed team, Zimbabwe will battle it out with Madagascar who finished third.
Kenya Rugby Union Chairman Mwangi Muthee paid tribute to the side.
“The team goes into a two week break before resuming training ahead of upcoming assignments. We have big plans for this team, including lobbying to ensure that the team plays in the Vodacom Cup very soon. Argentina and Namibia have previously played in this competition and look at what it has done for them in terms of performance. It is a stepping stone for greatness.”
Muthee added, ” We want to build a world beating Kenya fifteens squad. This is an accomplished side and we at the KRU will stop at nothing in ensuring that this squad qualifies for the 2015 Rugby World Cup.”
At the same function Sports Commissioner Gordon Oluoch assured the Kenya Rugby Union of continued government support.
“Our fifteens team is finally emerging from the shadows of the sevens team and I want to assure you that the government will offer financial and material support in ensuring that the side remains at the top. We will offer you the necessary assistance as you pursue your 2015 Rugby World Cup dream.”
Kenya’s Results in Madagascar
Semi Final
Kenya 52 Uganda 11
Final
Kenya 29 Zimbabwe 17
