The CUEA Monks had a blistering 2014 season. They sent shockwaves during the National Sevens Circuit & even received promotion to the top tier Kenya Cup League. The past 2 years however have not been an interesting story to tell from the students who have at most times had to endure rough weather to stay afloat.
Speaking to the Floodies 2017 Media Team, Louis Boyi, who is team manager/player at Monks Rugby intimated the challenges his team had to go through. “When we got promoted to Kenya Cup, some clubs raided our ‘monastery’ and snatched us of talent. We also had a transition period when the very able Simon Jawichre got promoted to a position with more responsibilities than rugby coach at the University. While other Kenya Cup clubs enjoyed better coaching & player depth, we had to dig deeper & faster than our shovels could scrape. We put up a decent performance but lady luck never smiled our way. We got relegated,” he confirms.
We asked him if the Monks stand any chance of beating their quarter finals opponent – Daystar Falcons. Louis revealed, “The contest between us and Daystar will always be interesting to watch. In our last 2 matches, we’ve managed to beat them, but I must admit that if they carry their NSC 2017 form to Floodies 2017, the contest will be tighter. Our biggest problem at Floodies for the past 2 years has been a combination of our 7s players resting & a shorter XV pre-season programme. This time, we have an able coach – Edward Opiyo & Captain – William Odhiambo who have been working with the boys on the pre-season. We therefore expect better performance.
We asked him what better performance means to the Monks. He looks back at recent history & explains, “This Floodies Varsities trophy has been elusive. In 2015, we lost to USIU in the semis. In 2016, we lost to Blad – in the semis. This is when we want to win it.”
The CUEA sports complex has moulded current KCB player – Peter Waitere, the late J. Kilonzo (May his soul rest in peace) & Menengai Cream Homeboyz’s Dominic Mose. Current Kenya XV scrum-half – Samson Onsomu had a short stint here as well. It brims with nascent talent itching for opportunity to showcase its worth. Is it this year that the Monks find the inner spark to win in a competition that has Mean Machine, Strathmore, BlakBlad, MKU Thika, Daystar Falcons, Menengai Oilers & TUK? Make sure you come to the RFUEA at 11 am on 4th November to understand better when they face the Daystar Falcons in the first Floodies 2017 universities knock out fixture.
Floodies 2017 is proudly brought to you by BLAZE – The Network for Young People By Young People.
To join the BLAZE movement, dial *555# from your Safaricom line today!
