Kisii Rugby bolster squad with 12 signings ahead of Championship campaign

Kisii RFC players in a past training/FILE 

KRU Championship side Kisii Rugby have strengthened their squad with the signing of 12 players ahead of the new season.

Club chairman Bob Onchong’a said the recruitment focused on young and upcoming talent. “Due to financial constraints, we recruited players from Nationwide teams and recent secondary school graduates,” said Onchong’a, a former Kisii Rugby and Kisumu RFC player.

The new arrivals are Ishamel Makori, Phillip Odhiambo, Elvis Nyachoi, Moffat Musoba, Clifford Osoro, Ian Duncan, Hesborn Obutu, Kelvin Osoro, Chris Emmanuel, John Omingo and Stephen Ojwang.

Onchong’a, however, admitted the departure of influential hooker Samson Mapesa to Kenya Cup giants KCB Rugby is a significant setback.

“Losing Mapesa is a big blow because he was one of our key players last season. However, we have to move on as a club. His move to KCB is a positive step for his career, and we wish him all the best,” he said.

Mapesa played a pivotal role in Kisii Rugby’s promotion to the KRU Championship. Onchong’a also revealed that the proposed transfers of Mike Ochieng to Kenya Cup champions Kabras Sugar and Veron Odhiambo to Western Bulls have not yet been completed. 

“All the transfer formalities are yet to be finalised, so we have not released Ochieng and Odhiambo,” he said.

After narrowly missing out on the promotion play-offs last season, Kisii Rugby are targeting an immediate return to the Kenya Cup, having last featured in the top flight before their relegation at the end of the 2017/18 season.

The team has resumed training under coach George Sagini following a two-week break. It will next compete in the second leg of the SportPesa National Sevens Circuit, the Dala Sevens, which will be held next weekend at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Kisumu. The opening leg of the circuit concluded on Sunday at Nakuru Athletics Club.