NAIROBI, December 2- Investment in the Impala Rugby Academy has already started to bear fruit with a number of graduates breaking into the senior and junior national team set-up.
This was announced Tuesday when the academy received Sh5.5m (USD62, 000) from Stan Chart Bank as part of the five-deal between the parties to fund training and development.
“From this program, Sam Onsomu, Ian Minjire, Sammy Oliech and Robert Aringo were called up in 2014 to be part of the larger Kenya 7s squad.
“Billy Omondi, Warren Nyanjom, Kanyiri Kariuki, Simon Muniafu and Tyson Okoth represented Kenya in various Under 19 tournaments including CAR U19, Africa Youth Games and Youth Olympic Games while Spencer Ochieng, Lucas Opal, Clarence Ngesa and Kevin Kerore represented Kenya in an Under 15 sevens tournament in France,” club chairman Geoffrey Gangla said during the ceremony.
Participating schools where the Nairobi-based club taps its talent include Jamhuri, Joseph Kangethe, Toi and Cheryl primary schools as well as Riruta Central, Maono, Uycus, Kibra, Olympic and Raila Odinga Centre secondary institutions.
“Our presence here today is a strong endorsement of the programmes put in place by Impala Club. As we extend the partnership, we are confident that Impala Saracens will continue to scale the heights in the local and international rugby circles,” Peter Gitau Standard Chartered Bank Rugby Committee Chairman added.