In a one of a kind event that has never happened for many years in a girls’ rugby team set up in Kenya, Impala Saracens recognised it’s best of the best from the 2017 Women’s rugby season on Wednesday 20th December 2017.
The event which was notably attended by Kenya Lionesses captain – Phila Olando & Kenya Lionesses player – Sinaida Aura, Kenya XV scrum-half Samson Onsomu & lock – Eric kerre at its climax awarded 8 players whose contribution to the team was immensely outstanding.
Speaking at the event, Mr. David Lukalo, former Impala Chair & current ladies team patron insisted on the need for each of the players to seek greatness always. He was also keen on stressing the need to pick rugby as a lifestyle backed by solid academic credentials.
Mr. George Mang’eli, Impala Patron took time to articulate to the ladies what discipline means for Impala & just how far it has brought the team that won numerous accolades this year – one of them being the Floodlit 2017 trophy.
Sinaida Aura, a Kenya Lionesses player who was invited by coach Maria Otieno to offer insight to the ladies on how sport & an education work in unison laid matters out in black & white. While speaking to the ladies, she stressed a fact highly important yet usually downplayed. “Sport talent is not everything. You always need to have a back up plan for when your rugby talent can no longer earn you a living due to injury or age. That back up plan is a solid education. Another aspect you need to get right is balance. If you are employed, your boss has sales targets, your coach also has yoyo targets. Always remember that you won’t have excuses to slack on either. You will have to cultivate a balance that makes you really good at both.”
Impala Saracens would like to say thank you to Standard Chartered Bank who have always offered support to the ladies team.
Awards Recipients
1. Player Of The Year – Judy Auma
2. Most Promising Player – Anne Koki
3. Impact Player Of The Year – Priscah Nyerere
4. Team Player Of The Year – Diana Awino
5. Comeback Award – Monica Mueni
6. Team Member Of The Year – Anne Apondi
7. Spirit Of Impala Award – Winnie Awino
8. Patron Award – Anne Njeri