The National Rugby League team will face South Africa later in the year after the completion of the league on Sunday.
Head coach Edward Rombo said the match, which was due to be played last week, was postponed due to logistical issues and will now be played in June.
“There are pending issues which needed to be sorted out but by June or July thereabouts, we will be able to play them,” said Rombo.
The Rugby legend said they will identify 45 players to start training in the next month in readiness for the duel. “We are looking at having 45 players for our international matches later in the year,” he noted.
On the league front, Kitengela Sharks defeated Wolves XIII 36-18 to finish third overall. The other teams that participated in the two-day event were Rhinos, Administration Police, and Utawala.
Philemon Olang was the toast for the winners, scoring two and creating four tries in a dominant display for Kisumu Winam.
Rombo was delighted that the players have learned the basic skill set of Rugby League. He said the federation was looking to qualify for either the 2025 Rugby League World Cup or the 2029 edition.
“We are looking at those two options. The sport is still new in the country but if we can build capacity for the next couple of years and get the exposure, I don't see why we should not qualify,” noted Rombo.
Rombo hailed the International Rugby League Federation for availing coaches and support. "I would like to thank the IRLF for their support and for growing the game,"
The former Mean Machine star said the game is growing rapidly with a strong presence in Cameroon, Senegal, Congo, Morocco, and South Africa. “We had some representatives from Congo and Senegal for our final and it shows that the sport is growing on the continent,” he said.
