File photo; Jubilant JKUAT Cougars celebrate after beating KCA university

After a long wait, JKUAT Cougars have finally secured promotion to the Kenya Rugby Championship, ending a two-year wait for a chance to compete in the highly competitive league. JKUAT Cougars secured their spot after beating Moi Arsonists 15-11 in a semi-final pairing of the Nationwide league.

The team’s hard work and perseverance have paid off, as they now have the opportunity to go head-to-head against some of the best rugby teams in the country. The Cougars had been pushing for promotion since 2019, but their efforts were repeatedly thwarted. However, their determination and grit never wavered, and they kept pushing forward, determined to achieve their goal.

The duel which took place on Saturday April 8, 2023 at JKUAT, saw the first twenty minutes of the game prove to be a cagey affair with both teams trading possession. Continued pressure from the home side would pay off as JKUAT’s Japheth okello landed the first try of the game to cap off a competitive first half.

In the second half, Cougars pushed through the gears and soon grabbed the second try through William Wagala. The Arsonists earned and dispatched a penalty to change the score line to 10-3. Mr. reliable Japheth Okello shortly after scored his second try to stretch the lead 15 – 3.

The Arsonists spared themselves some blushes and scored a try and a penalty in the dying moments of game to finish the game at a respectable 15-11.

Cougars Captain Davies Masinga said the promotion to the Championship was a testament to their hard work.

“We are very happy for the win.The boys have worked hard for it for a long time, and after 5 years of hard work and sacrifice we are back into the Kenya Rugby Union Championship .

He lauded the University community for coming out in large numbers to cheer them on. “We appreciate our fans for the support, and as a team we play rugby for days like this”

Cougars Celebrate Promotion with fans