Four rising Kenyan rugby stars David Williams (Kisumu/Kenya Morans), Jackson Siketi (Kabras/Kenya Shujaa), Andrew Matoka (Impala/Kenya Simbas), and Dennis Ndayala (Mwamba/Chipu/Kenya Morans) have been invited to the 2024 Rhinos’ Rugby High-Performance Camp in Cape Town, South Africa.
The elite training program, set to run from January to May 2025 at the Gordon’s Bay training facility, aims to refine their skills, enhance their physical conditioning, and improve their overall rugby IQ.
Kenya 7s Head Coach: “A Key Step in Player Development”
Kenya 7s head coach Kevin Wambua emphasized the significance of this opportunity, noting that it aligns with Shujaa’s player development pathway.
“I wish the young lads all the best during their stay at Gordon’s Bay. We hope to have them back as better athletes not just physically, but also in their overall sevens rugby IQ,” said Wambua.
Intense Training & Professional Setup at Gordon’s Bay
Kenya Simbas’ Andrew Matoka expressed excitement over the experience, describing it as a professional-level setup.
“Player welfare is top-notch all my on-pitch and off-pitch needs have been catered for. Training is intense, but the coaches have informed us that it will get even more intense as the program peaks. It feels as if I’m in a professional setup,” Matoka quipped during his first week of training.
Rhinos’ Commitment to Kenyan Rugby Talent
Rhinos’ High-Performance Program head coach and South African 7s legend, Frankie Horne, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to developing Kenyan rugby talent.
“We have always been keen to assist Kenya in achieving its athletes’ full potential. That is why we continuously offer opportunities to Kenyan boys and girls in the national team pathways to join our High-Performance programs in Gordon’s Bay, South Africa, and San Clemente, LA,” said Horne.
KRU CEO: “Overseas Exposure Strengthens Kenya Rugby”
Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) CEO Thomas Odundo highlighted the benefits of international training programs, stating that exposure to elite-level competition enhances Kenya’s overall rugby performance.
“It’s always a plus when our players get these opportunities to compete outside the country. We wish them all the best as they pick up invaluable lessons from the High-Performance camp,” said Odundo.
A Step Towards Kenya’s Rugby Excellence
The 2024 Rhinos’ High-Performance Camp presents a significant opportunity for these young Kenyan players to refine their skills, gain international experience, and elevate their game. With structured training, world-class coaching, and a professional setup, the quartet is poised to return as stronger, smarter, and more competitive rugby athletes ready to contribute to Kenya’s rugby success on the global stage.
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