Items by DataMiner
Rugby in Kenya
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Weekend Games
Posted: December 9, 2011, 2:18 pm by DataMiner
A full action weekend for Kenyan Rugby. The fifteens team is in Dubai for the Emirates Cup, playing their first match against Brazil tomorrow. The sevens team is in Port Elizabeth for the third round of the HSBC IRB World Sevens Series. The local leagues are also in full force with five Kenya Cup matches on offer tomorrow. That leaves us spoilt for alternatives and with the potential for many to make their names. I have been taking my time to examine the local league and hopefully we can get back to our predictions by next weekend. Also, I will make my comments about what I think of the Sevens team and the fifteens as well in my Weekly Ramble, sometime during the week.
Hopefully my fellow bloggers will update you on results as usual. Do enjoy your weekend and do enjoy your rugby as well. -
Lest We Forget
Posted: December 1, 2011, 6:21 pm by DataMiner
In keeping with my theme for this day annually, we must remember all those infected as well as affected by the AIDS scourge. I have rambled about this in past posts, but it is always good to remember. Today I reflect upon what were assumed to be the origins of the scourge and maybe its effect on our noble sport.
Whilst the jury is still out on the origins of this disease, its spread was different in different communities. Whereas in the United States where it was first discovered it mainly affected gay or homosexual communities, in Africa it was mainly heterosexual persons that were infected. Though the causes of infection are clearly known, the biggest hurdle now is the stigma associated with the illness. Due to progress in medication and treatment, people are now living longer and able to lead fully productive lives, even while infected. That means that we may not know who amongst us is infected and thus have to live with them same as others. I personally do not know of any rugby players who are HIV positive though just the infection rate in the general populace would suggest a few such persons exist. And with persons keeping this information to themselves, the stigma has now shifted to gay rugby players. This article says it all. However, with a most accomplished rugby player having come out to declare himself gay, one would hope that this would all end and we would stop labelling or assuming certain status of people because of their life preferences. And with the current push by the Western World to accept gay rights as part of our existence, would we be able to live and play with openly confessed gay persons?
Do take time to reflect and let's all try to end the stigma associated with this disease.
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Weekly Ramble
Posted: November 24, 2011, 1:16 pm by DataMiner
Just thought I would weigh in my thoughts on the ongoing fiasco of the broken league, and the splinter group, and the factions and all matter of stuff. I don't have much to say, but I'm sold onto the idea of affirmative action. I'm totally sold onto the idea that teams need more quality games to improve, and current structures do not allow them to do that. Playing ESS sides is not quality enough and so the teams are not challenged enough. Even the Universities' league would not be challenging enough as the universities no longer have the calibre of the great Machine sides of the 90's that won back to back Kenya titles. In those days the most passionate game was Machine vs. Blak Blad, and wow, what sparks used to fly in those games. But I digress.
Playing in the Kenya Cup will give the teams the much needed exposure to attract sponsors, as competition for opportunities is great with other sports. The players will also get to play against top class competition and attract scouts from those teams to sign them up. The players will also be able to attract the eyes of national selectors and get called up for national duty. Added to this, by staying at home and playing rugby in their home region, job opportunities will also open up and there will be no need to seek greener pastures in other urban areas. This I believe will totally revolutionalise the youth mindset in these regions and change the focus for them. And those advocating for the status quo are actually really afraid of this spread of the game. And the drying up of their feeder pool since most of the best players today come from these regions. With that will also dry up their multi million sponsorships and the game will finally belong to the people, who are the masses.
Whilst most people resist change, it is inevitable, and those who do not know the "prayer of St. Francis of Assissi", they need to brush up on this, as without it, they will surely be brushed off in the wave that is coming. -
Weekend Games
Posted: November 18, 2011, 7:32 pm by DataMiner
Thought there would be but apparently not. The folly of trying to force people who are not ready to be a part of just doesn't work. Hence my question in my Ramble this week, what is there to work towards? If these things are given, not earned, they have the effect of diluting the competition, as well as retaining their high nuisance value. More and more reason why there must be promotion and relegation in a league and people who have yearned and earned, given the opportunity to play in the top flight, not a political gimmick.
Do enjoy your weekend all the same.
S.
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Weekly Ramble
Posted: November 17, 2011, 3:46 pm by DataMiner
Call them chickens, call them cows, but time has surely ran out. I did not expect anything, but gave time to see, and what I have seen saddens me deeply. A plaint I heard the still suspended General Manager of the KRU make was that "surely, don't you think we love the game as much as anyone else?" Well the answer is some more than more, based on what they get out as opposed to what they put in. Call us peculiar, call us Kenyans, but why is it that those who work the most, get the least? And as is turning out in real life, give an activist a job and you find out just why he as agitating. Jealousy, or lack of opportunity, makes people point fingers. And the fact that the current schairman spent his first days in office dismantling existing systems, makes one wonder what the idea was. Change for change's sake is dangerous, and for change to completely delink itself from the past, makes one wonder if it is really worth it. Sometimes stability matters more and gradual change better than abrupt. But again you reap where you sow.
To matters I am more used to. Kenya Cup fixtures are not yet out and the league starts on Saturday. Apparently there is a club representatives meeting to discuss this on Friday, so what happens if no agreement is reached? And for those travelling to play, when do they plan this? And just a thought, is it by our constitution for the Union to shove fixtures down the throats of clubs? Is some form of consensus allowed in all this? Is the increase in teams sanctioned? And of what value is a league that everyone plays in? Is there a merit based system to get to the top? For instance how does a team progress from Mtaa, to Nationwide, to Eric Shirley, to Kenya Cup? Or do you merely agitate and vote for the chairman who promises your participation? Come to think of it, of all the leagues being run concurrently, can we tier them Division I to VI, or is that mere conjecture? And why then are we playing this game?
I seem to have a lot to say today. This one I should call "the Poisoned Chalice". I mentioned it just before the Safariccom Sevens and will mention it again. Our Sevens team is totally new. This gives them a chance to build something of their own. From the technical team to most of the players. However, I am not convinced that we could not use some of the now left out players better to build the team. Once more wholesale change is good, but to what end? At the end of the last HSBC IRB Sevens Circuit, questions were already being raised as to our competitiveness and our place as a core team of the circuit. I thought we needed to cement this and hence once more heads rolled. However, I am not entirely convinced we are going about it the right way and just wonder how much time we will be given to prove that we really are worthy of being a core team of the circuit. All in all, I wish the team well in the first three legs of the now expanded circuit.
S. -
Weekly Ramble
Posted: November 10, 2011, 9:08 pm by DataMiner
Well the Safaricom Sevens came and went and quite a party it was. Despite misgivings about the venue and alleged misprocurement issues, it ran quite smoothly and was quite a spectacle. The only issue is that when Kenya fails to make it to the final, half the interest of the spectators goes as people seem more keen on enjoying the party atmosphere. Samoa thrilled and convinced all that they do have great depth and so did Kenya to some extent. That Mwamba appeared stronger than Kenya was a bit odd, but with a major continental competition on this coming weekend, maybe all is not lost. We showed we had the depth and the personnel, just lacked the experience. Odd also that maybe the experienced players showed this inexperience more, but maybe they felt they were carrying too heavy a load. As for technical expertise, I reserve my comments for now as I seek to see more in days to come.
As for the upcoming continental championship, I still believe there are other ways to do this, that may not be so money intensive and that the Confederation of African Rugby are not doing enough thinking and/or planning. My Weekly Ramble from two years ago linked above could still be true today and I really do not see much changing. For Namibia to cry foul about finances I really wonder if we want to go to the Rugby World Cup if it can leave such a country broke!
I hope our fifteens team has prepared well and are ready for the challenge at hand. It is a one off match that leaves the winner as the African Champions, but I have said before, they can build a path to this title. If we can struggle to hold a championship for national teams, will we ever get to a stage where we will have a club continental championship. Rugby has a long way to go on this continent. -
Safaricom Sevens Order of Play
Posted: November 4, 2011, 4:23 pm by DataMiner
SAFARICOM SEVENS 2011 SATURDAY 5 TH NOVEMBER POOL A POOL B POOL C POOL D Kenya Emerging Boks Samoa Zimbabwe Uganda Bristol Spain Samurai Grenoble Auckland Vikings Belmont Shore British Army Rwanda Mwamba Goshawks Tanzania Game Category Time Team vs Team 21 Schools semi 8:00 AM 1st A vs 2 nd B 22 Schools semi 8:20 AM 1st B vs 2 nd A 23 Sch Spear Final 8:40 AM 5 th A vs 5 th B 24 Sch Shield Final 9:00 AM 4 th B vs 4 th A 25 Sch Bowl Final 9:20 AM 3 rd A vs 3 rd B 1 SS 10:00 AM Zimbabwe vs British Army 2 SS 10:22 AM Samurai vs Tanzania 3 SS 10:44 AM Samoa vs Belmont Shore 4 SS 11:06 AM Spain vs Goshawks 5 SS 11:28 AM Emerging Boks vs Auckland Vikings 6 SS 11:50 AM Bristol Uni Select vs Mwamba 7 SS 12:12 PM Kenya vs Grenoble 8 SS 12:34 PM Uganda vs Rwanda 26 Sch Plate Final 12:56 PM Loser semi 1 vs Loser semi 2 27 Schools Final 1:18 PM Winner semi 1 vs Winner semi 2 9 SS 1:50 PM Tanzania vs Zimbabwe 10 SS 2:12 PM Samurai vs British Army 11 SS 2:34 PM Goshawks vs Samoa 12 SS 2:56 PM Spain vs Belmont Shore 13 SS 3:18 PM Mwamba vs Emerging Boks 14 SS 3:40 PM Bristol Uni Select vs Auckland Vikings 15 SS 4:02 PM Rwanda vs Kenya 16 SS 4:24 PM Uganda vs Grenoble 16 SS mini Boys final 4:44 PM 1st A vs 1st B 7 Women Final 5:04 PM 1 vs 2 17 SS 5:30 PM British Army vs Tanzania 18 SS 5:52 PM Belmont Shore vs Goshawks 19 SS 6:14 PM Auckland Vikings vs Mwamba 20 SS 6:36 PM Grenoble vs Rwanda 21 SS 6:58 PM Zimbabwe vs Samurai 22 SS 7:20 PM Samoa vs Spain 23 SS 7:42 PM Emerging Boks vs Bristol Uni Select 24 SS 8:04 PM Kenya vs Uganda END 8:26 PM -
Weekly Ramble
Posted: November 1, 2011, 6:23 pm by DataMiner
Finally the most positive news I have had in a long time. The bar has been set and should not be lowered, whatever the reason. KRU is finally in the big money leagues and will no longer fight for penny change from the same sponsors clubs are chasing. The money from Kenya Airways will go a long way, though I still have my doubts expressed here. Though as an afterthought maybe the figures now being discussed will cause clubs to up their ante in sourcing for sponsorship as well and be in a position to get more and more funds. This would in turn also enable them to better take care of their players and facilities and improve their standards of play. This may then make them an effective feeder for the National teams. I just have too many "mays" in my paragraph, keeping me skeptical as ever. But that is not what I came out to say today.
This week sees the Safaricom Sevens take place in a different, bigger, more spacious venue. For the teams coming it would be a relief to be a bit further from the usually vocal Nairobi crowd, but then again, where will that homely feeling be? The list of attendees for once is very enticing and this should be the most competitive sevens in a long time. The benefit of a date change (wondering how the Vipers and Emerging Boks will be split), or the fact that this will be the most expensive event ever (in terms of money spent) but very good for the fans and the new venue. The challenge will be to fill it but also 75% would not be bad. Enough to make it a pleasant experience for those with families in tow as well. The proximity to town will make for a hellish Saturday night concert, but that is not my focus.
All in all, this is a lot of pressure on the new technical team, new captain and new players. Their first major test is on home soil and based on this, people will make their judgements on many things, and with money now a factor, the hatchets will surely be sharp. For some this may be way to stressful, but to others, it doesn't get any better than this. With Samurai and the British Army finally gracing our event, what remains is the addition of prize money, and maybe the rest of the mercenaries will join the party, and we have a truly fabulous event.
All the best to the players from all teams, loads of fun for the funs (sic) and let's remember, Monday is a working day. -
Weekly Ramble
Posted: October 13, 2011, 4:47 pm by DataMiner
Just thinking about the case for professional rugby in Kenya. The departure of Humphrey Khayange to the UK at a time when talk is rife of making the "elite" rugby players full pro smacks of a real slap in the face. Professionalism by every sense would mean that it becomes the preferred career for the selected. It would thus be able to offer as much incentive as any other paying job, as well as ensure one is able to fend for themselves after retirement, which in a sportsman's case comes much earlier than most. It would thus appear to the casual observer like myself that a future in professional rugby in Kenya is not very appealing or practical at the moment, so long as there are other options. If there are none, then by all means it becomes viable.
Mine though is another approach to it. On paper it seems to make sense, but I have always been an advocate for to bottom-up approach, as opposed to the reverse. We must build the base for professionalism before claiming the top is professional. The previous rugby administration were averse to using the word professional and made the distinction in defining us as an amateur union. Reasons for that, I don't know. Fear of the deep end, possibly. Thus everything they did was guided by that word, amateur. Now the current administration, in its haste to right several perceived wrongs, has rushed to make some players professional. Just how that works, I don't know, but paying some players money will not necessarily make them better players. Are they now expected to quit college, their jobs and anything else that interferes with their vocation? And were they to get injured and no longer qualify to be in the professional category, can they just pick up their lives where they left off? And if you were to call up a new player into this group, how then does he catch up to where the rest have reached?
We cannot have a professional national team with amateur clubs. The clubs must professionalise first, and only then can we have a feeder to the national teams that share the same ideals as well as ethos! And that must be the focus of the Union. -
Weekly Ramble
Posted: September 30, 2011, 1:14 pm by DataMiner
Still mulling my rest period, enjoying it whilst I can. Questions and accusations are being made in the comments and I can only smile at them. I don't know what people expect? What role have they given us? Or what role do they think we took up? Remember it is 100% voluntary and those with burning issues can either post them in the comments, or mail the blog owner. They can also request to -
Weekly Ramble
Posted: September 21, 2011, 1:48 pm by DataMiner
Sorry for my long absence. Had taken a sabbatical so to speak. Watching from afar, but more hoping my co-bloggers would take up the void and fill you with their issues. I tend to watch more on game related issues and not so much about the shenanigans that surround the administration and their cohorts. Not that I would not hesitate to point out something that seems totally out of place, but -
Weekly Ramble
Posted: August 24, 2011, 4:04 pm by DataMiner
Missed last week but was taking a break. My break may be extended slightly. Not really a sevens fan but the National Sevens Circuit begins this weekend with the Dala Sevens in Kisumu. A record number of teams have been registered and the organisers have tried to tier the competition in an attempt to make for higher quality matches, especially on day 1. Good intentions, and I like the idea of -
Weekly Ramble
Posted: August 11, 2011, 8:31 pm by DataMiner
A lot has been said in all manner of places regarding the new KRU board and a lot is still to be said. I said it on the election day itself I did not expect much from them, expecting the tide to be ever upwards as I assumed when you're down there is no further place to go. Well I'm not going to be the judge on that one, but suffice to say it will take them time to get back to my ground zero. -
Kenyans for Kenya
Posted: August 5, 2011, 8:34 pm by DataMiner
No pun or twist in today's post. Just decided that there are some ways we too at Rugby in Kenya can participate in CSR activities. For this weekend, our homepage will be dedicated to the Kenyans for Kenya initiative and will be unavailable for normal use. If you are able to search the blog however, you can still get the posts in the background and make any comments you please. We are in total -
Weekly Ramble
Posted: August 3, 2011, 2:51 pm by DataMiner
Progress at last. We have moved from the 2nd tier under 19 competition to the top tier. Last year we were last in this top tier hence our dropping to the 2nd tier. I don't know if the format of this competition makes sense as in does it truly test and give us the best contestant to go to the Junior World Rugby Championship. Tiering in rugby in Africa is understandable due to cost constraints, -
Weekly Ramble
Posted: July 29, 2011, 4:04 pm by DataMiner
Late, as usual, but here all the same. About a year ago I did a post and was full of praise for our fifteens team, you can find that here. I even went as far as calling them the "best Kenyan Rugby Team ever" and was fully convinced. We attained our highest IRB ranking ever and it looked like we were set to go places. The KRU board then I believe felt the same, but did not know what we needed -
Weekend Games
Posted: July 22, 2011, 4:00 pm by DataMiner
The big one, Kenya vs. Zimbabwe at Nyayo National Stadium. I will simply wish the team well as I have long given up on whether we are progressing, regressing or have stagnated. Perennial selection to resolve issues does not wash for me and I do not think we will have the mettle to unsettle Zimbabwe. If our vision is 2015, we need to change our focus like Zimbabwe. How strong is our junior -
Squad to Face Zimbabwe at Nyayo Stadium Named
Posted: July 21, 2011, 9:55 pm by DataMiner
The Squad is as follows.1. Joel Ng’ang’a2. Vincent Ong’era3. Daniel Kiptoo4. Martin Likami5. Ronnie Mwenesi6. Anthony Mutai7. Andrew Amonde8. Lawrence Buyachi9. Peter Mutai10. Issac Adimo11. Peter Abuoga12. Patrice Agunda13. Kelvin Omiyo14, Victor Sudi (C)15.Vincent Mose16. Dennis Abenga17. Dennis Karani18. Victor Oduor19. David Mogere20. Edwin Achayo21. Nato Simiyu22. Allan Omuka -
Weekly Ramble
Posted: July 19, 2011, 4:29 pm by DataMiner
Come early this time. Too much excitement in me. I sang and sang and got tired. Maybe someone somewhere was listening silently. You can get a choice of my two year old posts here and my past Ramble specifically on grounds here. Whether personal reasons, or gain, it was the most logical thing to do. Given the past excuses that I heard, about revenue sharing, insecurity, distance from core -
Weekly Ramble
Posted: July 13, 2011, 4:01 pm by DataMiner
I don't have the heart to do this much more. Should look for another blog to write on. Then it won't matter whether I make sense or not. Four years down the line and turning to the ramblings of a deranged blogger! Or maybe if I repeat myself long enough, I'll make sense to someone other than myself.Someone said the only constant in life is change. However, perhaps they did not realise how -
Elgon Cup - First Leg
Posted: July 11, 2011, 8:24 pm by DataMiner
Don't know whether to call it a balanced affair or a one way demolition. Suffice to say a good result with enough doubt lingering on our minds after the game. Opens out the Victoria Cup slightly with a mouth watering clash set for the return leg of the Elgon Cup in Kampala. Good summary courtesy of NTV below.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJ3xdJTeAJg -
Weekend Games
Posted: July 8, 2011, 3:50 pm by DataMiner
Cum Weekly Ramble. A Rugby bonanza for all tomorrow as there is a full day of rugby at the RFUEA grounds from early morning. The highlight will be the senior mens and women's teams taking on their rivals from across the border in the Elgon Cup duel. I'm not really in touch with the schools activities but the Prescott semi final pairings did look very interesting.The senior men's side? Are we -
Kenya Squad to face Uganda Named.
Posted: July 7, 2011, 7:18 pm by DataMiner
The team is as follows.1. Joel Ng'ang'a (UAP Rhinos)2. Vincent Ongera (UAP Rhinos)3. Moses Amusala (Lions)4. Anthony Mutai (UAP Rhinos)5. Ronnie Mwenesi (Lions)6. Andrew Amonde (Mumias Sugar Buffaloes)7. David Mogere (UAP Rhinos)8.Duncan Ekasi (SDV Transami Cheetahs)9. Edwin Achayo (UAP Rhinos)10. Nato Simiyu (SDV Transami Cheetahs)11. Peter Abuoga (UAP Rhinos) 12. Patrice Agunda (UAP Rhinos)13. -
Weekend Games
Posted: July 1, 2011, 7:06 pm by DataMiner
Not much going on, but the Homeboyz One Night Stand event, for the second year running. Interesting what being a member of the board can do. Last year's event had zilch union support and was fought to the last minute. This year's... even media releases from the KRU office! A case of inside influence, or the requisite "stamp duty" having been paid? And on that side note, is it slowly coming -
Weekly Ramble
Posted: June 30, 2011, 3:16 pm by DataMiner
Though surprised by our result last weekend, I have been even more surprised at our response to the loss and our lack of ownership for that lost. We do not seem to have analyzed it in the right fashion, though I am only talking from a layman's point of view. Word has it that the Zimbos brought in all their professionals and that turned the game. The guys were so good we could not tackle or -
Victoria Cup: Kenya 24 Zimbabwe 42
Posted: June 27, 2011, 3:02 pm by DataMiner
Thinking more with my heart than with my head once more. Can't really tell what happened, will wait to hear about the game. Though that our forwards scored most of our tries is quite telling. And that our backs were leaking is also a huge indictment. Lots of work to do, just hope we know what to do.Have a good week. -
Weekend Games
Posted: June 24, 2011, 4:38 pm by DataMiner
Kenya take on Zimbabwe in Harare in the second fixture of the Victoria Cup. Zimbabwe already have a headstart with a 25-15 victory over Uganda away a fortnight ago and will be determined to lay last year's ghosts to rest. Kenya do not have it easy either with last year's victory the only one they have ever achieved on Zimbabwean soil.Both sides play a very similar game and are both gifted with -
Weekly Ramble
Posted: June 17, 2011, 1:17 pm by DataMiner
The National XV team acquitted itself fairly well last weekend and I believe there were valuable lessons learned. Least of which should be the mindset in which to approach matches. Not to say we do not have this, but we at times seem to struggle when facing much weaker opposition due to possible assumptions or otherwise. Hailed variously has been the magnificent defensive effort and I'll join -
Kenya 27 Pumas 41
Posted: June 13, 2011, 3:08 pm by DataMiner
A very good show and the welcome news of the technical assistance will help us improve on where we are failing. Very impressive was the defensive effort, our offense needs a lot of work. The forwards were outstanding in the loose, not so in the set pieces. The backs when they put their minds to it were awesome in defense.Our brothers next door have lost the opening game of the Victoria Cup. -
Weekend Games
Posted: June 10, 2011, 4:38 pm by DataMiner
Kenya take on the Mpumalanga Ford Pumas at 4.00 p.m. tomorrow. If the match on Wednesday was a sneak preview we are in for a good game. Unfortunately I will not hold my breath too much but once more look out for the positives that come out of the game... and our potential future stars. Also looking out for the ravages of natural attrition and who it affects.Have a good weekend. -
Kenya XV 22 Pumas 48
Posted: June 9, 2011, 4:04 pm by DataMiner
Very many positives from the game and I take great heart in our performances. We were very weak in the obvious places but surprisingly strong in others. No need to talk much about the set pieces, but we can definitely improve on our line outs. We were able to recycle the ball well and get it out of the scrums under pressure. However we could not do much after that and resorted to how what we -
Weekly Ramble
Posted: June 8, 2011, 4:20 pm by DataMiner
Becoming more of a monthly one, but hey...Kenya A face Mpumalanga Pumas today in a one off match as Kenya prepares to face them on Saturday. For me, it is a nothing match. The score does not mean anything whatsoever to me. What matters most would be what we learn out of that game. Last year's match I believed helped us in winning the twin diadems of the Elgon and Victoria Cups. And we need -
Bamburi Rugby Super Series: Finals
Posted: June 6, 2011, 8:02 pm by DataMiner
And the closest and most evenly contested to date. The Rhinos have made this tournament their own, but the rest are not taking it lying down. Contrasting styles really, but just reward to both teams for their mode of play. The Cheetahs were disciplined in defence and gave away few penalties, but perhaps this allowed the Rhinos to play and they were rewarded with tries, and that's all they -
Weekend Games
Posted: June 3, 2011, 5:58 pm by DataMiner
It's the finals of the Bamburi Rugby Super Series with the defending champions UAP Rhinos taking on SDV Transami Cheetahs. Whilst the Cheetahs had to weather a vicious fight back from the Sharks, the Rhinos had a relatively easy walk in the park. I don't know if the one weekend's break has given them rest, or confused them by making them work harder. Only time will tell.My money's on the -
Weekend Games
Posted: May 27, 2011, 12:21 pm by DataMiner
Bamburi Rugby Super Series takes a break for some CSR activity this weekend. Chairman's Cup finals are on in the various categories. Kenya 7s plays in the Edinburg leg of the IRB Sevens World Series.In other news, former dual code rugby player and Kenyan legend Edward Rombo is ailing at the Aga Khan Hospital. Our thoughts and prayers are with him at this trying moment. Friends and family are -
Rugby Super Series - Semi Finals
Posted: May 23, 2011, 3:11 pm by DataMiner
I don't think there were any surprises here. Perhaps just a case of scores not reflecting the game. As I said Rwenzoris tactical nous (or lack of) was their real unfolding. The Sharks were within 3 minutes of a famous upset, but it was not to be. A repeat of last year's finals is in the offing. To me we need more such quality games for the whole thing to have any real meaning in terms of -
Weekend Games
Posted: May 20, 2011, 2:32 pm by DataMiner
The Bamburi Rugby Super Series enters the semi finals stages with UAP Rhinos taking on Rwenzori from Uganda at 2.00 p.m. and SDV Transami Cheetahs taking on the Nguvu Sharks. Interesting comments have been made in the past week, but I am not surprised, totally expected. Someone was against my wondering why a certain team was not beaten, but the same concerns are coming up again, and to me thi... -
Bamburi Rugby Super Series - Week 3
Posted: May 16, 2011, 8:20 pm by DataMiner
One way traffic at the RFUEA Grounds, the Lions petered out in the end (as usual?) in Nakuru, an improved performance from the Bulls in Mombasa, and once more Rwenzori pull the rug from under Victoria to qualify for the semi finals.The Semi Final pairings will be Rhinos vs Rwenzori and the Cheetahs against the Sharks.Sorry for no pre-match post but Blogger was down and not allowing any postings.. -
Kenya 7s for London and Edinburg
Posted: May 11, 2011, 2:58 pm by DataMiner
The squad has been named as below.1. Humphrey Kayange- Mwamba RFC- Captain2. Lavin Asego- Mwamba RFC3. Oscar Ouma- Nakuru RFC4. Gibson Weru-Nakuru RFC5. Victor Oduor-Kenya Harlequin FC6. Sidney Ashioya- Kenya Harlequin FC7. Collins Injera- Mwamba RFC8. Biko Adema-Nondescripts RFC9. Leon Adongo-Kenya Harlequin FC10. Brian Nyikuli-Impala RFC11 -
Bamburi Rugby Super Series - Match Day 2
Posted: May 9, 2011, 5:33 pm by DataMiner
The Sharks were the toast of the day, overcoming the Lions 32-25. The Buffaloes apparently did not know their own home ground too well and lost to Rwenzori 17-28. The Rhinos beat the Bulls 30-3 and the Cheetahs rounded up the weekend action with an 18-14 victory over Victoria in Kampala.Rhinos and Cheetahs are therefore poised for the Semi Finals whilst their potential opponents have to fight -
Weekend Games
Posted: May 6, 2011, 1:43 pm by DataMiner
The Bamburi Rugby Super Series enters Match Day 2 with matches all over East Africa. In Kampala Victoria will host the Cheetahs while fellow Ugandans Rwenzori travel to Mumias to face the Buffaloes. In Nairobi the Lions take on the Sharks and in Mombasa Bulls are at home to the Rhinos.The Cheetahs/Victoria match promises to be stormer after Cheetahs posted a huge score over Rwenzori last week. -
Bamburi Rugby Super Series - Match Day 1
Posted: May 3, 2011, 3:30 pm by DataMiner
Looked exciting on paper but not so flash in the end. The Cheetahs ran over Rwenzori 49-0, Rhinos were made to up their concentration despite winning 36-17 against the Sharks, Coastal Bulls seemed to put up a good maiden appearance, losing 8-36 to the Lions and Victoria got a morale boosting 16-5 home win against Buffaloes.A good start by some teams but others seem to just be finding their feet. -
Weekend Games
Posted: April 29, 2011, 6:28 pm by DataMiner
The Bamburi Rugby Super Series kicks off tomorrow with matches in 3 venues. The Cheetahs kick off the event against Rwenzori of Uganda, defending champions Rhinos then take on the Sharks at the RFUEA grounds. In Mombasa, debutants Bulls take on visiting Lions and Victoria round it off at home against Buffaloes in Kampala.Not much I can say until I see the teams but the defending champs are -
Weekly Ramble
Posted: April 28, 2011, 2:05 pm by DataMiner
Sorry for my short absence, took a well deserved break from it all and now fully refreshed. I have seen the comments on the Rugby Super Series and some of those echo my own thoughts. A lot of hype goes into this event, and undoubtedly, it is the premier rugby event in East Africa. That it has gone through lots of transformation since inception in 2003, I feel it has lost touch somewhere. -
Weekly Ramble
Posted: April 20, 2011, 5:24 pm by DataMiner
Though considered low key on the playing side by some, the just concluded Resolution Health Impala Floodlit Tournament got me thinking. Was it a revelation to us or by some to themselves? Is self belief and confidence a factor in the game? Is the term underdog derogatory in its use or connotation? Is there then hope for us as a nation? And with the upcoming Bamburi Rugby Super Series, what -
Floodlit Finals..
Posted: April 18, 2011, 5:41 pm by DataMiner
Quite spectacular I must say and truly one for the romantics. Several pundits had written them off by half time and as usual KCB believed the press.. things definitely changed thereafter. Congratulations to Strathmore on a tournament well played. -
Weekend Games
Posted: April 15, 2011, 2:07 pm by DataMiner
David vs. Goliath, only time will tell. Strathmore take on KCB in their first ever appearance in the finals of the Impala Floodlit Event. Along they way they have knocked off big names like Harlequins and Mwamba. KCB are no slouch either, having convincingly put away defending champions Impala in the semi finals. I refrain from this one, but your predictions please!Do have a good weekend and -
Weekly Ramble
Posted: April 14, 2011, 4:19 pm by DataMiner
SPOILING THE PARTY!For the past year or so, I have not commented much on the Sevens team. Be it their performances, my perceived abilities of the players, of the technical team, or the board that guides them. Not that I had nothing to say, but I think like most of us I was confused. Listening to the head coach can do that to you. So can believing in the players. And worst off listening to -
Weekend Games
Posted: April 8, 2011, 10:25 pm by DataMiner
Impala Floodlit Semi Finals and Mwamba open the proceedings against Strathmore with defending champions Impala facing KCB in the after dark match. As before not much to say, but do enjoy your weekend and your rugby.. -
Weekend Games
Posted: April 1, 2011, 1:28 pm by DataMiner
Rugby action returns this weekend with the quarter finals of the Impala Floodlit Tournament. The shifting of dates of this event has seen the school's category knocked out technically and replaced with a university's one. In the main event, Nakuru take on Mwamba at 3.00 p.m. to be followed by Homeboyz against hosts Impala. Kenya Commercial Bank then handle Nondies before Harlequins wrap the -
Weekly Ramble
Posted: March 30, 2011, 1:30 pm by DataMiner
Today is the Kenya Rugby Union Annual General Meeting and part of the agenda will be the election of new office bearers. That the long serving chairman Richard Omwela is up for re-election means all focus will be on this one aspect and other issues brushed over. Equally important are the KRU finances for the previous year and close scrutiny must be paid to these as there is some clever -
Hong Kong 7's Update: Kenya Win Shield In Hong Kong
Posted: March 28, 2011, 12:59 pm by DataMiner
Not really our target but a trophy all the same. A lot is being said all around but what amazes me is the complete bewilderment of everyone at our performance. I have repeated it time and again, what makes us expect the team to perform? Our prayers or our direct input into the preparation of the team? Is it our training or the people selected on the team? Is it our natural talent and -
Hong Kong 7's Update: Kenya 5 Russia 22
Posted: March 25, 2011, 6:37 pm by DataMiner
Starstruck or dumbfounded? You choose. No defense to speak of and offense fizzling without purpose. Tomorrow Malaysia then Fiji, but we've already written our own script. -
Weekend Games
Posted: March 25, 2011, 12:32 pm by DataMiner
Quiet weekend on the local front, just the boys in Hong Kong. As much as on paper it appears easier to qualify for the next round in the 24-team format, the truth is you are only guaranteed if you top your pool. Coming 2nd is at best a raffle, and that means our work is cut out. Fiji must go down and as security, Malaysia should regret their invite to the event. Not forgetting the little -
Weekly Ramble
Posted: March 24, 2011, 11:58 am by DataMiner
Thought I'd quit, for personal reasons, but let me continue as long as I can. These give me some breaks from my daily grind and just realised maybe my fellow bloggers are also losing their psyche. Just a Fan ran off a long time ago. Quite used to enjoy his analyses of the Kenya international matches both sevens and fifteens. Back2Basics seems depressed as his favorite team is now in the ESS, -
Enterprise Cup Finals
Posted: March 21, 2011, 2:54 pm by DataMiner
A sprighty affair, dampened drenched by a second half downpour. If you had not played your rugby by that time it was all over, and maybe that was the key. Kudos to Harlequins for an unchallenged season and keep the momentum up. To the other teams, maybe pray harder as there are several games Quins could have lost this season, but the other teams failed to drill the final nail in their coffin. -
Weekend Games
Posted: March 18, 2011, 2:20 pm by DataMiner
Enterprise Cup finals this weekend and one of the fiercest derbies around. Harlequins lead the count 2 out of 2 this season, one a lucky break so this is really personal. Both teams play a balanced game using both their forwards and backs equally with Quins emphasising on forward play and Impala quick to gain ground with their backs. Game will be very high tempo and hopefully not high tempered -
Enterprise Cup Semi Finals
Posted: March 15, 2011, 12:59 pm by DataMiner
Quite different from the quarters and just wondering, when will an underdog next win this cup as has happened in the past? The thrill of knockouts and where anything goes just does not seem to work any more. Is the divide growing? Do the resources matter? Does sheer heart matter? Can determination alone do it? Maybe soon. Do have a good week. -
Weekend Games
Posted: March 11, 2011, 8:50 pm by DataMiner
Sorry for my hiatus.... just when it was getting interesting. Was bit indisposed but all's well now...Enterprise Cup semi finals tomorrow. Quins host Strathmore and Impala host Nondies. The defending champions scraped through by the skin of their sword last weekend and seem to be taking an early holiday. However, though Strathmore appear much improved, the odds are stacked too highly against -
Kenya Cup - Week 16
Posted: February 28, 2011, 4:49 pm by DataMiner
Finally over and the die is cast. Don't know if I can say it was a really competitive Kenya Cup with a runaway winner, head clear second, shoulders clear third, etc. but all teams I believe gave it their all, and hence it was worth it. Despite the gap in points, I do not think there was much difference technically between the sides and it will make next season very interesting. Some things -
Weekend Games
Posted: February 25, 2011, 12:11 pm by DataMiner
Dead rubber all the way as positions are basically decided. Once more the thriller will be the university's derby between Strathmore and Machine. Impala host Nakuru, Quins are at home to KCB and Mwamba will travel to Jamhuru Park to face Nondies.In the derby despite the feeling of loss and the game being in vain, Machine will put up a good fight. If they keep their composure and not try to -
Kenya Cup - Week 15
Posted: February 21, 2011, 2:09 pm by DataMiner
For me no surprises really, just that when people have their backs against the wall, they can get serious. No shuffling really of the order and with one weekend left to play, I don't see any changes occurring.Do have a good week. -
Weekend Games
Posted: February 18, 2011, 1:02 pm by DataMiner
The winner of the Kenya Cup was decided last weekend so it's playing for 2nd best that remains. But the real battle is for who will remain in the Kenya Cup next season or not! Our top billing this weekend is thus the bottom of the table fixture between Mean Machine and Nondescripts at Jamhuri Park. In other games Mwamba host Strathmore, Impala host Harlequins and KCB travel to the Rift Valley -
Kenya Cup - Week 14b
Posted: February 14, 2011, 12:57 pm by DataMiner
Only one match played carried over from last weekend. Was not going to go any other way really and with that Kenya Harlequins attained an unassailable lead in the league. They already got their winners' medals and now we only await the runner's up. Congrats to Quins for a consistent sustained campaign.Kenya A also proved me wrong and were actually a joy to watch. Making up for their -
Weekend Games
Posted: February 11, 2011, 11:15 am by DataMiner
Only one Kenya Cup match on the cards this weekend, Harlequins at home to Nakuru. Not too much I can say about this one, save the fact that Quins have retained all their players, save one, whilst Nakuru have given four players to the Kenya A side to face Warringah Rats in the highlight game of the day.With the current form Quins is displaying, and the depletion of the Nakuru side, I feel Quins -
Kenya Cup - Week 14
Posted: February 7, 2011, 4:50 pm by DataMiner
I missed them all. Can't really call them upsets, but very interesting results. The scramble for second place is only helping the league leaders and the battle to avoid relegation (or not) is also greatly motivating others. Next weekends solitary Kenya Cup match will point the way at the top and after that just two more matches and it's all over. KCB now move to second place whilst Impala -
Weekend Games
Posted: February 4, 2011, 5:14 pm by DataMiner
Kenya Cup action enters the closing stages with three matches on the cards tomorrow. Kenya Commercial Bank host Impala in the headline fixture whilst Mwamba cross the highway to bottom placed Mean Machine. The last match has Strathmore at home to Nondescripts. Harlequins and Nakuru will not play their match this weekend.KCB/Impala will be fairly balanced in the forwards, but I give KCB the -
Weekly Ramble
Posted: February 3, 2011, 2:37 pm by DataMiner
Three years ago, when I took up the challenge to write on this blog, it was a long and lonely journey. A few other blogs existed dedicated to rugby but geared more towards their clubs and/or colleges. The challenge to me was just to write what I see and to comment with my limited knowledge on life and rugby on things that were taking place in the game. I think I have done fairly well and some -
Kenya Cup - Week 13
Posted: January 31, 2011, 1:31 pm by DataMiner
Surprise or not, Nakuru were the team of the weekend. Did not see it, but must have been quite a display to blank Mwamba that way. The rest are still waiting for Quins to stumble and with only 3 matches left in the league, someone will have to do the other one a favor, whilst still doing the business themselves.The bottom of the table also be interesting in the last few matches so interesting -
Weekend Games
Posted: January 28, 2011, 3:41 pm by DataMiner
The fight for Kenya Cup continues though shaping out to be more interesting is the relegation battle. Here we go...League leaders Harlequins host Mean Machine at RFUEA grounds, Kenya Commercial Bank are at home in Ruaraka to Strathmore, Nondies cross the railway line to Impala and Mwamba go to floor of the Rift Valley to face Nakuru. Quins are on a roll and will whitewash Machine, despite -
Weekly Ramble
Posted: January 26, 2011, 12:50 pm by DataMiner
Missed one last week, due to unavoidable circumstances. Or maybe lack of thoughts in my head. So today I try and air my thoughts. A new team has been named to take part in the next two legs of the HSBC IRB Sevens Rugby Circuit. Forced by circumstances, or planned all along, we are now realising the need to have a system in place. Blaming unavailability of players as I have said before is a -
Kenya Cup - Week 12
Posted: January 25, 2011, 12:04 pm by DataMiner
Well, Mwamba ran out of steam, the rest just cruised, and amazingly, a second draw in as many games between the same teams! Sets the stage for a furious relegation battle and maybe, just maybe one of these will decide the destination of the Kenya Cup itself. The table remains unchanged for this week.Do have a great week. -
Weekend Games
Posted: January 21, 2011, 3:06 pm by DataMiner
A bit late but here we go. Top billing is Harlequins vs. Mwamba at RFUEA grounds, Kenya Commercial Bank vs. Nondescripts in Ruaraka, Impala vs. Strathmore at Impala and Nakuru RFC vs. Mean Machine in Nakuru.The cracker on Ngong' Road will be evenly matched throughout. The fitter forwards will carry the day in that battle and I'd give Mwamba. The backs will also be a fierce battle that I expect -
Kenya Cup - Week 11
Posted: January 17, 2011, 2:22 pm by DataMiner
Gets more interesting as we go along. Mwamba proving to be a formidable force in the longer code, Impala keeping the heat on Quins, and is this the beginning of a spectacular collapse by Quins? The league table remains unchanged at the top but Nakuru takes control of the middle order. Will they be the dark horse to decide the destination of the league cup? Are the death knells sounding for -
Weekend Games
Posted: January 14, 2011, 12:10 pm by DataMiner
Kenya Cup rugby action continues in this last leg of the league. Fast rising Mwamba will host Kenya Commercial Bank, Impala travel to the UON grounds to face fast fading Mean Machine, Kenya Harlequins are away to perennial rivals Nondescripts at Jamhuri Park and Strathmore will are at home against Nakuru.The form book seeming to be out of the window, all eyes will be on the Mwamba/KCB match to -
Weekly Ramble
Posted: January 12, 2011, 2:31 pm by DataMiner
For want of anything to write, and not to repeat myself, read my Weekly Ramble of close to 2 years ago. Most of the African rugby sports writers are now itching over this and most of what I get on the wires are the plan to split CAR or is it Africa into two. Well I said it then and nothing happened, and now we weep. We are doomed as a continent. And with this as a World Cup year, it has -
Kenya Cup - Week 10
Posted: January 10, 2011, 2:20 pm by DataMiner
Surprises, or maybe not. I missed one call but close on the rest. The Kenya Cup is now not open for winners, but for spoilers and that is who people will be rooting for in the next six weeks or so. My concern now is the relegation battle, and whether it really is a battle. Some teams seem totally hapless, but that's just my view.Quins have now opened an 11-point lead at the top and the fight -
Weekend Games
Posted: January 7, 2011, 12:31 pm by DataMiner
And a Happy New Year to you all. The league is not giving us much time to get into stride but here goes.League leaders Harlequins are away to Strathmore, Mean Machine are at home to KCB, Mwamba host Impala and Nakuru travel to play Nondies. First round form notwithstanding, the long break will be more of a factor methinks. What with festive season traveling and all, I'm sure most clubs have -
Happy New Year - 2011
Posted: December 31, 2010, 3:17 pm by DataMiner
A Rugby World Cup year and much more rugby to look forward to on the world scene. Once more we are on the sidelines and wondering when we will grace that event. Though gracing is not much to look forward to as the divide between the nations is so great. And with the wrangles in CAR and a potential breakaway from it, the hope for developing rugby in Africa quickly is fast fading. But that was -
Happy Holidays 2010
Posted: December 22, 2010, 10:23 am by DataMiner
On behalf of all my fellow bloggers and I, I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. My year summary will come before the end of the year but this is just a season's greeting and for those taking a break/holiday, do enjoy your rest. For those traveling, do stay safe and for those still in the grind, keep up the effort.From all us bloggers, some dormant, some shy, some -
Weekly Ramble
Posted: December 16, 2010, 3:08 pm by DataMiner
Just felt I needed to put my two cents in. Regular readers on this blog know where I stand. And to me it is fairly simple. Someone is clueless. I have always been against the people taking accolades for when things are good and pointing fingers when they are bad. And it is a vicious cycle that will always continue unless we break it. Without going to specifics, only one constant has -
Weekly Ramble
Posted: December 8, 2010, 5:06 pm by DataMiner
Possibly my last for the year. Long deserved holiday coming up and I intend to fully utilise it. The speed with which this year has gone has left me gasping and I need a clean fresh start come the new year.Mine for today. I have always wondered on this blog why we are so concerned with who? as opposed to what? Call it colonial mentality, call it our upbringing or call it our conditioning, -
Kenya Cup - Week 9
Posted: December 7, 2010, 12:42 pm by DataMiner
Sorry was MIA for the pre-match post. Factors beyond my control. KCB came close to handing Quins their first defeat of the season but it was not to be. Machine also came close but only too close. Strathmore, well they are trying.Table standings see Quins on top with the maximum available points. Impala lie second, Mwamba third and KCB fourth. The fixtures as usual have been reshuffled ( -
Weekly Ramble - World Aids Day
Posted: December 1, 2010, 12:24 pm by DataMiner
Today is World Aids Day. A time to sit back and reflect on how this scourge has affected all of us in some way or other. I have been consistent on this one as I strongly believe all of us are either infected or affected in some way. In my posts last year and the year before I have shared my thoughts and how it has shaped rugby, from simple behavioural change to contributing to one of the -
Kenya Cup - Week 8
Posted: November 29, 2010, 3:14 pm by DataMiner
Went as I expected. What I have realised is that the league is very much open and much as we anticipate it will be decided by the games between the top teams, my favorites the middle order will play their role come the 2nd leg matches. And that is what a league is about. At your best throughout, irrespective of who you play.Do have a good week and congratulations to all the winners at the -
Weekend Games
Posted: November 26, 2010, 2:09 pm by DataMiner
Kenya Cup Week 8 and jostling at the top is already taking place. Same at the bottom as people try to avoid the last position that may come with relegation. League leaders Nivea Harlequins travel to Nakuru, Impala host KCB and Nondies are away to Mwamba.The highlight match will be the clash at Impala Club with Impala stinging from last weekend's defeat to Harlequins and KCB anxious to leapfrog -
Weekly Ramble
Posted: November 25, 2010, 1:33 pm by DataMiner
The past few weeks have seen a flurry of activity. Team after team has left the country to participate in sevens tournaments in various parts of the world. Going back to the last few months, the so called "Shujaa" side has actually traveled quite extensively, with muted results in the events they have taken part in. The side has also been chopped and changed a lot and I wonder, what is going -
Kenya Cup - Week 7
Posted: November 22, 2010, 6:03 pm by DataMiner
Not much really to be talked about. What was to be a contest didn't quite pan out, no idea why. The interesting one of the day was the 5-5 draw. As rare as draws are, sometimes it is the just conclusion to a drawn out contest. And Strathmore keep on struggling. As we approach the halfway point, an interesting shape to the league standings. Let's watch and see. -
Weekend Games
Posted: November 19, 2010, 3:05 pm by DataMiner
Back to three matches as some teams take a break. The headline match will pit reigning champions Quins against previous champions Impala in a long running grudge match. As I said in my ramble this week, this game seems to have more significance to the fans than the players or coaches themselves. Match will be at the RFUEA ground. Other matches will be Machine at home to Nakuru and Strathmore -
Weekly Ramble
Posted: November 17, 2010, 12:25 pm by DataMiner
Getting harder and harder to do by the day, thanks to the healthy exchanges taking place in the comments on some posts. Some issues I'd like to raise are being debated and thrashed out there and that is a good thing. Part of the reasons for creating this blog. What is disturbing is the seeming amount of hatred or disdain that some people have for others. From calling them derogatory names to -
Weekend Games
Posted: November 12, 2010, 5:41 pm by DataMiner
The sixth week of the Kenya Cup sees all the teams in action. Interesting results in the past week mean we're building up to a mini crescendo then wait for the major showdown next year.Impala host Strathmore, Quins are at home to Machine, Nakuru will travel to Railway Club to face Mwamba and KCB cross the CBD to play Nondies at Jamhuri Park.Getting harder and harder to call but here goes. -
Kenya Cup - Week 5
Posted: November 8, 2010, 5:56 pm by DataMiner
Interesting, is all I can say. Impala surprised me by beating Nondies hands-down despite not having 11 of their top players. Ominous signs to me as that will intensify competition for the first jersey. They proved to the world that they do indeed have depth and perhaps something else they are working on. The university boys proved to be just that. Shocking really and wondering if there -
Weekend Games
Posted: November 5, 2010, 12:15 pm by DataMiner
Kenya Cup action resumes this weekend with 3 matches, two teams as usual on a break. Defending champions Nivea Harlequins face second placed Strathmore University Leos at RFUEA, Nondescripts will host a depleted Impala and Mwamba will play Mean Machine, most probably at Campus Impala grounds.A reader encouraged me to give reasons for my calls and I'll give it a shot. Harlequins over Strathmore -
Weekly Ramble
Posted: November 3, 2010, 6:22 pm by DataMiner
Not much happening at the moment. All slow and quiet. Just interesting to note that the KRU Awards Dinner has been launched with nominees for awards in various categories. The timing of the awards may throw some people off-track as it covers the season that concluded with the fifteens international season in August. Thus some awards like Sevens team of the year and sevens coach of the year -
Kenya Cup - Week 4
Posted: November 2, 2010, 12:24 pm by DataMiner
Not much went against the grain. I expected some players to have more impact than they eventually did, but not to be. Good games all round and I believe our rugby is improving. Pity we missed out on getting a yardstick to measure against! The rest weekends are playing havoc on me and not helping the league standings but I believe they are for the good of the players.Do have a good week all. -
Weekend Games
Posted: October 29, 2010, 7:05 pm by DataMiner
Kenya Cup Week 4 and the pace is picking up. KCB will host Nakuru at Impala Club, Mwamba host Quins at Railway Club and Nondies host Strathmore at Railway Club Jamhuri Park... All interesting matches that can go either way. I think the forthcoming death of Paul was the death of my predictions as well, but I'll stick my neck out. KCB will win over Nakuru by 8 points. Mwamba will pip Quins by a -
Weekly Ramble
Posted: October 28, 2010, 4:42 pm by DataMiner
Growing old at this, one day late again. Not to worry. Was digesting a couple of things and mulling them over my mind. Catch 22, the devil's alternative, between the devil and the deep blue sea, damned if you do, damned if you don't. What happens next?I sympathise with two sets of people. The technical team for the National Sevens Team, as well as the players. At the risk of repeating -
Kenya Cup - Week 3
Posted: October 26, 2010, 1:36 pm by DataMiner
I chickened out of my predictions last week as I was going so off.. Maybe I'm too out of touch with local rugby? Or maybe I have no belief that some clubs can get as strong as the best? Whatever the case the first two weekends were interesting. More interesting to me would be the role the Impala Floodlit Tournament may have been playing in preparing sides for the season opening. Was there -
Weekly Ramble
Posted: October 21, 2010, 7:54 pm by DataMiner
Not much to talk about today. Just to sit and reminisce. We just crossed the 50,000 mark on page visits and that to me is an achievement worth celebrating. And to just think about what we may have inadvertently caused to happen.When we started out, information flow was slow and scanty. For obvious reasons we could not use social media to communicate our messages and we just had to let people -
Weekend Games
Posted: October 16, 2010, 4:05 pm by DataMiner
Week two of the Kenya Cup this weekend. Early leaders Impala host Mean Machine, KCB host Mwamba at the RFUEA Grounds and Nakuru host Strathmore. Nondies and surprisingly Quins have a rest day this weekend.My quick calls, Impala over Machine by 10 points, KCB over Mwamba by an equal margin and Nakuru over Strathomore by 10 points as well. To my critic over the term "by a score" and thanks for -
Weekly Ramble
Posted: October 13, 2010, 11:02 pm by DataMiner
It is interesting how anonymity irks fellows. Talking to someone you cannot see or listening to someone you do not know is really frustrating. I feel it and I know others feel it to. Why is it that we get more pained by criticism from faceless persons? Is it any less true? Or does it just hurt more? Maybe you wonder why the anonymity then? Well to me it is simple. It is a Kenyan thing and -
Weekend Games
Posted: October 8, 2010, 2:53 pm by DataMiner
Week 1 of the Kenya Cup sees a weird start to the competition. Whereas the start of the season is supposed to be a bang, with teams releasing pent up aggression and tactics for the new season, we have a situation where two sides are "resting" in the first weekend of competition! A big first for Kenya Rugby once more (tfic). That aside, if the friendlies that took place last weekend are -
Weekly Ramble
Posted: October 6, 2010, 4:54 pm by DataMiner
A new fifteens season begins, and with it the confusion that has become commonplace with multitudes of versions of fixtures. Other sports envy us though, at least we have fixtures.. they wait to be told on Friday if they have a game the next day.But that is not my ramble for the day. A header I saw somewhere asked if the stranglehold on the cup by 3 teams will be broken this year. I tend to -
Weekly Ramble
Posted: September 30, 2010, 1:14 pm by DataMiner
After a long self imposed exile, I'm back. I spent the last month or so just watching what was happening and events taking place. I managed to watch most of the Sevens Circuit but refrained from commenting as at times I get too worked up. What has clearly emerged is that the KRU are struggling to manage the phenomenal growth the game has seen in the past few years and instead of expanding -
Weekly Ramble
Posted: August 12, 2010, 5:32 pm by DataMiner
Not very inspired today, but events happening across the border have got me thinking. Regarding the outstanding performances by our fifteens team this season, I have rambled about this before. Ever the patriot I am as pleased as everyone about our performances. I was even more pleased by the approach taken by the technical team, throwing all caution to the wind and going for youth and coaching -
Weekly Ramble
Posted: August 12, 2010, 5:32 pm by DataMiner
Not very inspired today, but events happening across the border have got me thinking. Regarding the outstanding performances by our fifteens team this season, I have rambled about this before. Ever the patriot I am as pleased as everyone about our performances. I was even more pleased by the approach taken by the technical team, throwing all caution to the wind and going for youth and coaching -
Weekly Ramble
Posted: August 4, 2010, 2:52 pm by DataMiner
Today heralds the dawn of a new way in which things are done in Kenya. As you and I, the normal mwananchi with no reason or hope of being a politician and wielding the power that we periodically kill each other for, what hope does it then hold for us? Is it possible that the new constitution will affect each and every one of our lives? And if so in what way? Will we get improved democratic -
Weekly Ramble
Posted: July 21, 2010, 2:38 pm by DataMiner
Finally, out of the shadows and the doldrums. I can stop whinging and whining for now. What we have said on this blog for years is finally bearing fruit. Beginning with the righting of the season, to the emerging bravery of the technical team. I don't know if they read us, but it is heartening to know that we are on the same page, even if of someone else's book. That the powers that be also -
Weekly Ramble
Posted: July 14, 2010, 3:49 pm by DataMiner
Quite a bit has happened in the past two weeks. My highlight was the fifteens team retaining the Elgon Cup and capturing the Victoria Cup with a game to spare - despite hardships and other problems that came their way. They should be an example to the sevens team that the team has no owners. Certain players who have been sure starts in the team for the last 6 years or so were shown the door -
Kenya Climb Up IRB Rankings
Posted: July 6, 2010, 1:29 pm by DataMiner
The hard fought 33-25 victory against Uganda over the weekend saw Kenya climb to its highest ranking of 38 since July 2006 when they were ranked 37. That is a major feat considering all the team has undergone in the last couple of weeks. A win by 15 points or more would have seen them climb even higher.Hope this weekend is another win will see them climb to their highest ever IRB Rankings. Let -
Kenya Team to Play Uganda
Posted: July 2, 2010, 9:30 pm by DataMiner
The team below will face Uganda tomorrow in an Elgon Cup/Victoria Cup match at Kyadondo Rugby Grounds in Kampala.Daniel Kiptoo - Rhinos / Kenya Harlequin FC Edwin Alubaka - Lions / KCB RFC Nzioka Muema - Cheetahs / Impala RFC Anthony Mutai - Rhinos / Kenya Harlequin -
Weekly Ramble
Posted: June 23, 2010, 6:39 pm by DataMiner
I almost did not do one this week as my colleagues have aptly vented on my behalf. So I'll be brief.. he he.What do we really want as a rugby playing nation? Are we a World Power in the sport? Are we even an African Power in the sport? The best we have come is third in a CAR competition that had weird qualification process that UGANDA won! What then is our rush to prove we are a force to -
Weekend Games
Posted: June 18, 2010, 6:41 pm by DataMiner
Weekend action sees two Kenyan fifteen a side teams in action, I think the first time in a very long time. Kenya proper plays the curtain raiser for the Springboks vs. Italy game tomorrow in Mpumalanga province South Africa and coach Michael "Tank" Otieno put in a cameo appearance on top rugby programme "Boots and All" on Supersport last night. He was cut short in his brief speech but it is a -
Weekend Games
Posted: June 18, 2010, 6:41 pm by DataMiner
Weekend action sees two Kenyan fifteen a side teams in action, I think the first time in a very long time. Kenya proper plays the curtain raiser for the Springboks vs. Italy game tomorrow in Mpumalanga province South Africa and coach Michael "Tank" Otieno put in a cameo appearance on top rugby programme "Boots and All" on Supersport last night. He was cut short in his brief speech but it is a -
Weekly Ramble
Posted: June 16, 2010, 2:05 pm by DataMiner
I've been saying it for the last 3 years and people come out with guns blazing. Suddenly, it is plain to see. The KRFU has no vision for Rugby in Kenya! If last weekend was anything to go by, then we now know what their interests are. For the annual accounts to have a qualifying remark that the Directors of the Union get no financial consideration for their responsibilities, it leaves more -
Update: Kenya vs. Zimbabwe 12-06-2010 Kenya 11 Zimbabwe 10
Posted: June 12, 2010, 8:39 pm by DataMiner
Kenya overcame a furious onslaught from Zimbabwe to win the opening encounter of the Victoria Cup by a solitary point. Kenya trailed all the way to the last fifteen minutes when replacement Moses Kola converted the all important penalty to take the lead. They then absorbed and applied their own pressure to hang on for the all important victory.Do have a good weekend. Soccer mode now! -
Kenya vs. Zimbabwe 12-06-2010
Posted: June 12, 2010, 2:46 pm by DataMiner
Kenya takes on Zimbabwe today in the opening match of the Victoria Cup. The Victoria Cup is a three nation affair with Uganda being the third team. The teams will play each other on a home and away basis with the winner of the series being the team with the most points. The matches pitting perennial rivals Kenya and Uganda will also double up as Elgon Cup matches, with the winner on points -
Teams for Safaricom Sevens Named
Posted: June 3, 2010, 5:38 pm by DataMiner
There are no major changes in the team to play as Kenya in the Safaricom Sevens this weekend. Sidney Ahioya and Benedict Nyambu step back into the side. Innocent Simiyu is carrying an injury obtained in London and will not take part in this edition of the Safari Sevens. Dennis Muhanji moves to the Shujaa side where he is sure to get more game time. Interesting to note is that some "academy" -
Safaricom Sevens Final Draw
Posted: June 2, 2010, 1:57 pm by DataMiner
The final draw for this year's edition of the Safaricom Sevens has been released. The late withdrawals by some sides have caused the draw to change slightly. International invitational side Samurai joins Kenya in Pool A and will be another team to watch. POOL A POOL B POOL C POOL D Kenya Emerging Boks Argentina Hamilton Raiders Les Bleu Bristol Zimbabwe -
Weekend Games
Posted: May 28, 2010, 7:53 pm by DataMiner
No matches so to speak this weekend. However, the National Fifteens team will be holding trials from 2.00 p.m. at Impala Club. The more the merrier and I believe the bar will be open so we can get into the Safaricom Sevens mode.The squad is divided into Probables and Possibles with the same pool of substitutes. Of note is the absence of Sevens players in the squad. I wonder if some peoples -
Weekly Ramble
Posted: May 26, 2010, 3:14 pm by DataMiner
Sorry guys, been away traveling for some time. It is hard to imagine places in this world with scarce internet availability.Anyway, in my absence, I don't think too much has changed. I sounded the warning bells before the IRB Circuit started but as usual people just thought I was being negative. This post summed up my thoughts and nothing has changed. That we have the most experienced squad -
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Posted: May 15, 2010, 11:49 pm by DataMiner
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Weekend Games
Posted: May 14, 2010, 1:25 pm by DataMiner
The Bamburi Rugby Super Series enters the penultimate weekend with half the teams out of the running. What remains now is the run to the trophy and the prize money. In the first match at 2.00 p.m. SDV Transami Cheetahs will take on Kampala Coach Victoria and in the second match at 4.00 p.m. UAP Rhinos take on the Lions. I see Cheetahs winning over Victoria by 10 points and the second game will -
Bamburi Rugby Series - Match Day 3 Results
Posted: May 11, 2010, 3:02 pm by DataMiner
Not much went against the script. The Sharks got shell shocked and gave the Cheetahs too much respect. By the time they realised they could do it it was too late and the Cheetahs held on. The Lions did what they needed to do and so too the Rhinos. The Buffaloes failed to break their duck in Kampala and also left the tournament in the dead rubber match of the day.This weekend will now be the -
Weekend Games
Posted: May 7, 2010, 2:15 pm by DataMiner
Match Day 3 of the Bamburi Rugby Super Series and barring any hiccups, all should go well. Two teams in Pool B have already secured their semi finals spot and will only be fighting it out to see who tops the pool UAP Rhinos host Kampala Coach Victoria in Nakuru and Rwenzori will host Mumias Sugar Buffaloes in Kampala for the wooden spoon of the pool.And as much as SDV Transami Cheetahs seem to -
Weekly Ramble
Posted: May 6, 2010, 9:19 pm by DataMiner
Not much on my mind, just the usual. Wondering when the mismanagement will stop. I won't say much on the treatment of the traveling teams during the Bamburi Rugby Super Series. Just that more due diligence should be done and there should be ways to make sponsors accountable for their promises or actions, say in the way of a performance bond, held with a bank and encashed only when breach is -
Bamburi Rugby Series - Match Day 2 Results
Posted: May 2, 2010, 2:35 pm by DataMiner
I believe much better in terms of entertainment value. The Lions woke up and defeated the Nguvu Sharks 20-12. SDV Transami Cheetahs steamrolled over M Bank Twigas 57-0. Victoria overcame Mumias Sugar Buffales 26-3 and UAP Rhinos edged Rwenzori 23-22. -
Weekend Games
Posted: May 1, 2010, 12:56 pm by DataMiner
Saturday sees Round 2 of the Bamburi Rugby Super Series. This weekend we hope no one way games. Mumias Sugar Buffaloes host Victoria in Mumias, Rwenzori host UAP Rhinos in Kampala, Nguvu Sharks play Lions in Nairobi and M Bank Twigas play Cheetahs in Arusha.Result here after the games. Please take time to vote on our poll on the left. Have a good weekend. -
Weekly Ramble
Posted: April 28, 2010, 8:28 pm by DataMiner
I have always suspected but now I think it is confirmed. The KRFU has no vision for 15-a-side rugby and by extension Rugby in Kenya!I have been poring over things in my head and bits and pieces of information that keep coming my way and it is astounding to say the least. The KRFU lives for two things! The IRB Sevens Circuit and the annual Safaricom Sevens! That I have no doubt in my mind. -
Bamburi Super Series Update
Posted: April 28, 2010, 2:25 am by DataMiner
Victoria 16 Rwenzori 13. Looks like the injury toll was too great. -
Bamburi Rugby Series Kicks Off in Uganda
Posted: April 27, 2010, 4:40 pm by DataMiner
Match 4 of this years Bamburi Super Series kicks off this afternoon in Kampala with 2nd runners' up in last years event Rwenzori facing Victoria. For more details, please visit the official Bamburi Super Series Website. We hope to post the results as soon as they are available. -
Ugandan Sides Suffer Injury Losses Ahead of BRSS Kick Off
Posted: April 26, 2010, 9:25 pm by DataMiner
Following a hard fought league campaign, the Ugandan teams Rwenzori and Victoria have suffered serious losses just before they kick of their matches for the Bamburi Rugby Super Series. First given to us on this blog by a commentator, we have independently confirmed the story and a third source corroborates the information. The Rwenzori side seems more affected and it will be interesting to see -
Bamburi Rugby Series - Match Day 1 Results
Posted: April 25, 2010, 2:23 pm by DataMiner
SDV Transami Cheetahs 52 Lions 17 UAP Rhinos 61 Mumias Sugar Buffaloes 0 Nguvu Sharks 79 M Bank Twigas 0. Lopsided Day 1. Is the Super Series losing its competitiveness? Do we really have the top 240 players in East Africa? Do we have 240 players in East Africa capable of playing at this level? Is the tournament structure skewed? -
Weekend Games
Posted: April 23, 2010, 2:22 pm by DataMiner
The Bamburi Rugby Super Series kicks off this weekend with four matches on the cards. The Cheetahs comprising mainly Nondies and Impala will kick off the event against the Lions, comprising mainly KCB and Mwamba. Defending champions Rhinos comprising Quins and Nakuru will then face Buffaloes from Western Kenya. University franchise Sharks will travel to Arusha to face the Twigas whilst the -
Weekly Ramble
Posted: April 21, 2010, 9:12 pm by DataMiner
The Kenya Cup has come to an end and what a dramatic end it was. Even I could not have written such a script but it was well worth the money. And with the end of the Kenya Cup has come the usual debate. Who is the right person to coach the Kenya National Team? To me I do not think it matters who coaches the team. As we are just so basic in our game. We tend to think that the team that won -
Quins Claim Kenya Cup
Posted: April 19, 2010, 7:12 pm by DataMiner
Nivea Harlequins put up a solid display of focus and discipline in the second half to recover from an eighteen point deficit at half time to convincingly defeat Kenya Commercial Bank 26-21 in a thrilling encounter played at the KRFU grounds on Saturday. KCB got off the blocks first and raced to a 16-0 lead in under 15 minutes. Quins attempts to come back quickly into the game failed and their -
Quins Win Kenya Cup
Posted: April 17, 2010, 12:08 am by DataMiner
In a classic tale of two halves, Quins came from 3 21 down at the turn around to reclaim the trophy they last held in 2008 with a 21 26 victory over KCB. More to come. -
Weekend Games
Posted: April 17, 2010, 11:58 am by DataMiner
Finals weekend and it's Kenya Commercial Bank vs. Nivea Harlequins. Match kicks off at 4.00 p.m. sharp. It will be preceded by the 3rd/4th playoff between Nakuru and Resolution Impala. Both matches will be live on Supersport.In the main match, it is the battle of the forwards that will be the key focus of attention. Both sets trying to outdo each other and set up the platforms. However, I -
Weekly Ramble
Posted: April 14, 2010, 6:19 pm by DataMiner
Been avoiding this for a long time, but everyone else has had it, so why not them? My ramble today, what direction are our officiating standards heading to? When I used to play rugby, we were not sure whether a referee would turn up or not. Since not many clubs were playing rugby then, the matches were quite few and so once the referee turned up, our thoughts were as to whether he would be -
Quins Complete Finals Pairing
Posted: April 10, 2010, 9:51 pm by DataMiner
Quins beat Impala 25 16 to complete the pairing for the Kenya Cup Finals. KCB had earlier beaten Nakuru 20 10. -
Kenya Cup Semis Update
Posted: April 10, 2010, 7:48 pm by DataMiner
KCB have qualified for the finals courtesy of a 20 10 win over Nakuru. KCB had to play with 14 men on two occasions and a fight an error prone but torrid Nakuru fight back. -
Weekend Games
Posted: April 9, 2010, 1:47 pm by DataMiner
Semi Finals time and the last men standing will soon also change. A first is that the Kenya Cup semi finals will be broadcast live on Supersport from 2.00 p.m. Despite the short season, I'd say the leagues have been quite competitive and entertaining. In the first Semi, Kenya Commercial Bank will take on Nakuru RFC and then Nivea Harlequins take on Resolution Health Impala.During the regular -
Weekly Ramble
Posted: April 8, 2010, 3:13 pm by DataMiner
Today I will do just that.. ramble. I was just wondering if all arms of rugby are in sync with each other. Given, I was a firm supporter that KRFU bulldoze its way and realign the season with the International season. I also supported that they should do it irrespective of the sentiments and feelings of clubs. I supported that it should be done in a structured organised way. To belatedly -
Kenya Cup - Week 7
Posted: March 29, 2010, 4:12 pm by DataMiner
Thought it didn't but the scores did matter. I got the main one wrong and the order at the top has been shuffled. Quins still lead the standings, followed by KCB. Impala and Nakuru now swap places meaning the semi finals in two weeks will have Quins facing Impala and KCB facing Nakuru. As I had said before what matters is the form for the last two matches and it seems everyone is peaking for -
Kenya Cup Results 270310
Posted: March 27, 2010, 12:19 am by DataMiner
Nakuru 15 Quins 5 Impala 6 KCB 6 Strathmore 17 Machine 14 Mwamba 17 Nondies 16. -
Weekend Games
Posted: March 26, 2010, 6:23 pm by DataMiner
In the midst of the fast and furious action from Hong Kong, Kenya Cup action continues this weekend. The four teams for the semi finals are already set and the placing also will not change barring some ridiculous scoring. League leaders Kenya Harlequins travel to Nakuru. Runners' up KCB cross town to Ngong Road to face Impala. Mwamba will host Nondies at Railway Club and the universities' -
Weekly Ramble
Posted: March 24, 2010, 5:50 pm by DataMiner
Today I will avoid the obvious as I have said most of it before and I really don't feel like going there today. Instead I will keep hope alive and pray that our dreams come true.. soon. Instead I will dwell a bit on the local rugby scene. Events in the past one week have left me wondering what role the media plays in promoting sports?Specifically in rugby, I know there is a silent war between -
Kenya Cup - Week 6
Posted: March 22, 2010, 3:39 pm by DataMiner
Three out of four not bad, and within the predicted margins also. Only surprise is that Nakuru seem to have fallen off the pace whilst Impala failed to rise to the occasion, their game riddled with errors totally unbecoming of defending champions. The log thus remains the same with Quins still at the top, KCB second and Impala third. Nakuru completes the semi final pairing and barring any -
IRB Adelaide Sevens Wrap
Posted: March 22, 2010, 11:49 am by DataMiner
For the first time this season we failed to take any points in the IRB Sevens Circuit. We were a pale shadow of our feared selves, seeming to just go through the motions. Even in the Bowl Competition where we beat Niue Islands 25-7 and Scotland 36-12, we failed to even come off the starting blocks against England in the final and lost 33-12. We however remain in sixth position and are now -
Two Right A Wrong
Posted: March 20, 2010, 3:25 pm by DataMiner
Nothing wrong with my spell check. Just building up from my Weekly Ramble of Thursday. Not usually one to invoke the name of the Almighty, but we now have a God given opportunity to help ourselves. By falling out of the main cup competition, we now have no hope of winning the event. Personally, I don't even think we need any points from the event as we are well on the way to attaining more
Blah blah blah
Fish cakes
Alas a fish cake.
Yet more fish cakes
Guess what ... yeah ... fish cakes.
The end of the fish cakes
