Is This The Turn of Kenyan Sports or Just a Fleeting Wonder

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What a terrific fortnight! These are some of those so incredibly great periods that make one don pride of being Kenyan with a wholesome embrace and a matching sheepish and optimistic grin.

From Harambee Starlets' swim through adversity to Women's Afcon to The Rugby Sevens Team, Shujaa, winning a rugby series main title for the first time in 114 tries. In the euphoria that comes with moments like this, it is tempting to get lost in the moment but I choose not to. I'm a cynic that celebrates with a smile and perhaps a five minute jiggle, so, after trying to hold it in, I finally lay it all out. What does the women's football achievement and Shujaa's Singapore Sevens win signify for the respective sports?

Starlets, in current state have no future

Let's start with the Starlets history making appearance in The Women's Continental showpiece to be held in November. The replay at Kasarani was nothing short of spectacular. That they eliminated Algeria, one of Africa's football powerhouses just iced the cake, which yes, we want to have and eat, and maybe even binge on. But a lack of proper structures means that this showing is more likely to be a one-off. Kenya has no proper women's league and no women's youth team. While football administration in Kenyan football has been poor, management in the women's side has been incomparably mediocre, so dismal that it can only be compared to itself, and that's saying something. The current team slept in lodges and cooked for themselves using firewood while in camp ( anyone who has used firewood knows how tolerable they aren't). The players allowances have been delayed more than a few times, the only surprise being when they are actually paid, let alone on time. Meanwhile, their under-performing male counterparts, who slept in five-star hotels and were paid handsomely, conspired to lose their most important games to ensure that they won't make it to the next years event, as has been the case since their last Afcon appearance in 2004. However, we should lay down proper foundations to ensure that this glorious moment is not just left at the mercy of history. Our women have shown that our negligence is not deterrent to their spirit and we should use that to build the sport to world class standard. The spirit is there. The desire to succeed stands us in good stride too. The dream is not far off either. Let's use these to build a reality and make this historic moment a regular event. Hell, maybe it can get our girlfriends interested in the sport. Win - win everyone. Right?

Rugby Sevens has a future
Need I repeat the memorable howl from the commentator, said in typical Mzungu twang fashion: A youu! A youu! (Oyoo). It was a moment that captivated and united  a nation still struggling with ghosts of hostile and negative ethnicity. With the winning of gold a foregone conclusion in long-distance running, this rarefied win in Rugby provided fresh air and opened us up to new possibilities on what our sportspeople could do if just given the right push. It also lent corroboration to the argument that Kenyan coaches are just as good as any other professional coaches from outside the country we so often are guilty of fawning over. We won this title with Benjamin Ayimba, after a gamble with Mike Friday and Paul Treu. Who's the genius now? (No offence to Mike and Paul). And with the like of Oyoo (A you) and Wanyama, there is reason to believe that the future prospects are just as hot as the veterans (No homo). And also, seriously, I believe its about time our local television stations took to airing the Kenya Cup, the rugby fifteen league. That is the belly of our rugby. Watching them will add meat to the bones we are currently wielding in celebration. Can you imagine the pride and arrogance you will exude when talking to a foreigner about our rugby league? Just name dropping players like they are hot ( again, no homo). Okay, might as well stop using hot altogether, sorry.

Meanwhile, the reality of the matter is that a majority of Kenya's populace is footballcentric. Harambee Stars might crawl into a sewer, wallow in the murks and emerge a stinking mess of human regret but will always be revered and forgiven. But hey, can't have your cake and eat it huh? Well, it seems like the football team can keep the cake as the Starlets and Shujaa keep the wins. Also, holy shit! Harambee Stars under 20 (men obviously. Women have no under 20) risks a ban from CAF for fielding ineligible players.
The saga continues ...
But tribute to the Starlets and Shujaa sevens team for their historic milestone. They deserve every incentives and celebration that comes their way. And whatever happens at the women's Afcon in November, there is no doubt that the ladies are champions in more ways than one.

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