- Itigo Girls High School clinched their first-ever Rift Valley Secondary Schools Rugby 7s title with a 19-0 victory over defending champions St Joseph Girls.
- The team received a rousing heroes’ welcome, complete with traditional mursik celebrations, upon returning to their Nandi County school.
- Chief Principal Julieh Samoei praised the players for balancing academics and sports as they now prepare for the national championships in Thika.
Itigo Girls High School rugby team received a rousing heroes’ welcome on their return to school after making history by clinching the Rift Valley Secondary Schools Rugby 7s title for the first time.
The Nandi County-based side crowned a remarkable campaign with a commanding 19-0 victory over defending champions St Joseph Girls High School of Kitale in the final played at Narok Boys High School.
The victory marked sweet revenge for Itigo Girls, who had fallen to the same opponents in last year’s regional final. Despite that setback, the team went on to represent the region at the national championships in Kakamega, where they finished fifth overall.
On arrival at the school, the players and their technical bench were welcomed with songs, dances and celebrations by students, teachers, members of the Board of Management, clerics and members of the local community.
In keeping with Kalenjin tradition, the champions were treated to mursik, the fermented milk often reserved for heroes and heroines, in recognition of their outstanding achievement and for bringing glory to the school.
Clerics who attended the reception offered special prayers for the team as they prepare for the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) national term two games scheduled for later this month in Thika, Kiambu County.
Speaking during the celebrations, Chief Principal Julieh Samoei lauded the players for their dedication, discipline and determination, saying the regional title was a reward for months of hard work.
“We are delighted with this achievement. Winning the Rift Valley title is a great milestone for our school and we hope the girls will continue with the same spirit and perform even better at the national championships,” said Samoei.
The principal noted that most members of the victorious squad are Grade 10 learners, describing their success as a strong indication of the potential being nurtured through the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system.
“It is encouraging to see such young learners excelling at this level. They have demonstrated that talent can be identified and nurtured early while maintaining high academic standards,” she said.
Samoei further praised the players for balancing classroom work and sports, noting that they have remained consistent in their academic performance despite the demands of competitive rugby.
“I am happy that these players are performing well both in class and on the field. Their success proves that academics and co-curricular activities can go hand in hand,” she added.
She attributed the team’s rise to discipline, teamwork and commitment, saying those values have been instrumental in shaping the players into champions.
Focus Shifts to National Championships
With the regional crown now secured, Itigo Girls have now shifted their focus to the national championships in Thika, where they will be seeking to extend their impressive run and challenge for the country’s top honour.
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The historic Rift Valley triumph has raised expectations at the school, with students, teachers and supporters hopeful that the girls can replicate their success on the national stage and continue writing a new chapter in the school’s sporting history.
By Our Reporter
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