The Likoni Community emerged victorious at the 2024 South Coast Fives Touch Rugby Tournament, held on Sunday at the Safari Beach Hotel in Diani, Kwale County. Defying expectations, the South Coast team dethroned the defending champions, Nairobi’s Karen Crusaders, with a decisive 2-0 victory in a thrilling final match.
Entering the tournament as underdogs, Likoni Community showcased a stunning performance under the scorching Diani sun. Their fast-paced and dynamic style of play captivated the audience and left their more seasoned opponents struggling to keep up. The rules of the tournament stipulate that each try scores one point, and it was this simplicity that underscored the significance of every successful play.
The final saw Purin Mwero and Pius Odera score for Likoni Community, each try strategically timed around halftime to secure their victory. This win is particularly noteworthy as it marks one of the youngest teams in the history of the tournament to clinch the title. The victory represents the culmination of years of dedication and perseverance from the team and their supporters.
Makaba Omar, the captain of Likoni Community, expressed his immense pride and satisfaction after the match. “It has been a very hard tournament but we were determined to win. We are a group of young people who have a passion for rugby and we are very glad that all the hard work has finally paid off,” Omar said in an interview with Citizen Digital.
The team’s success is a testament to their relentless effort and commitment. Over the past few years, Likoni Community has invested heavily in developing local rugby talent in Kwale and Mombasa Counties. By engaging with the youth and providing them with opportunities to excel in sports, the team has fostered a new generation of rugby enthusiasts who are now making their mark on the national stage.
Coach Titus Mtawa hailed the victory as a well-deserved reward for years of hard work and dedication. “We have been working together with other coaches to use rugby as a way to empower the youth in Likoni. Rugby has the power to transform the lives of young people, and we have done exactly that with the group we have. These young people have tapped into their potential and love for sports to become community champions and role models,” Mtawa said.
While Likoni Community celebrated their triumph, the tournament also saw Safari Beach take home the plate trophy with a 3-0 win over Team Perez in the plate final. Captain Collins Kabayo described the win as bittersweet, acknowledging their initial hopes of winning the main trophy but settling for the plate as a step towards preparation for the upcoming Kenya Cup season.
In the bowl final, Kisumu’s Shajaland emerged victorious, further highlighting the competitive spirit and growing talent in Kenyan rugby.
As the dust settles on a weekend of intense beach rugby action, the success of the South Coast Fives underscores the positive impact of youth development programs and innovative initiatives in the sport. The future of rugby in Kenya looks bright, with emerging teams like Likoni Community paving the way for a new era of talent and achievement.
