It was another great day to play some football on Kenyan soil given the perfect weather that was being experienced. The sun had just shown its face to bring brightness and cast away the gloom that is the extremely cold weather that had engulfed the city in the sun for the past few days.
The big boys of university of Nairobi’s Nyati were once again on a mission. A mission to grow the good game of American football in the country. Their quest had gotten them to the vibrant Nairobi primary school just off Mamlaka road not very far from the university.
coach Dan explains the game
Now, the American football scene in the country has come a long way from obscurity to a status that is definitely not as huge but for the simple fact that it has sparked so much interest in Nairobi and its environs.
The realization that this sport is alive in the country has had a wow factor on the public that is astounding even to the players themselves. There have always been inquiries on where the sport is played, who plays it and most definitely how it is played.
With this in mind, the players sort to start a countrywide crusade to get the sport to the grassroots and get more people into it with the ambitious goal of starting a youth league and a collegiate league in the near future and create a strong foundation for growth subsequently.
So on Thursday, the players in conjunction with the administration of the school had organized a practice session, well it was more of a demonstration session for the game to the kids.
The reception these players got from these kids was unbelievable given the fact that this game is just in its initial stages in the country. The excitement, enthusiasm and interest displayed was just out of this world. As it turns out, there is a lot of untapped talent out there just waiting for an opportunity to step up on to the stage and participate in this game. Yes, the fact that it’s called American football regardless.
time for running backs
On Thursday, American football transformed into a global game of friendship and laughter and interaction with jovial and willingly interested kids. Of cause there were moments of pure bliss when some seemingly laid back pupils showed exceptional and unbelievably natural skill in handling, throwing and running the football. And it was a fairly big number too. We couldn’t help but realize that this had been a long time coming and needed to be scaled up exponentially in order to tap talent this early for the sake of longevity of the sport.
So this simple activity of demonstrating the game, with players stationed in different places with a bunch interested and eager faces waiting for a chance to participate in this sport quickly escalated into a flag football game with coordination of the players, coach Dan Eck, coach Teddy(JKUAT SPARROWS) and KFAF Chairman George Alwang’a.
Coach teddy shows the kids how to catch a football
ladder drills
The turnout was great and the sheer energy displayed was just so encouraging. The rest of the players of course tossed and threw the ball around with the rest of the kids and everyone was clearly having some good fun. The day ended abruptly with the bell ringing to signal the end of the session. It was a hustle getting the kids to get into their buses and leave for their homes because of how engaged they were and captivated by the game.
At the end of the day there was a lot more interest displayed with kids coming up to the players and coach Dan and inquiring when we shall have the next session. A couple of parents also came up trying to find out more. At the end of the day, there was a unanimous conclusion that right there in that field in a partly chilly and partly sunny day in Nairobi, there had been a spark. A spark that needed to be fueled in order to get it to fire status. As the Nyati captain Tony Okello would say, ‘we are just getting started!’
Coach Dan had this to say, “This was a huge impact on for me, my players and the kids mostly. the level of excitement and energy you cant find somewhere else. am happy we come out today and would love do do it again sooner to another primary school.”
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Press statement
For Immediate release,
March 13, 2020
RE: KFAF STATEMENT ON COVID-19
Today the Ministry of Health has confirmed the first Corana Virus case (COVID-19) in Kenya. As a precautionary measure, the Kenya Federation of American Football has suspended all events until advised otherwise by the Government. This includes National Squad Trainings, Leagues, tournaments, and demonstration games.
KFAF advises all stakeholders to exercise caution during this period and adhere to the Ministry of Health prescribed steps to avoid the spread or infection of the virus.
However, KFAF management, secretariat, and other operations will continue remotely for the safety and health of our staff as we continue to monitor the development of COVID-19 in the country and beyond.
We would like to wish the affected a quick recovery.
Signed
Roberta Mwikali
Acting Secretary General
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Are you a sports enthusiast residing in Kenya? Do you have any experience with this unique sport? Can you volunteer?
KFAF is looking for volunteers to help coach American football, officiate(Referees), or both! You will be working with a local high school or college team in the area of your choice. If you are interested in either role, please click to sign up here or email us secretarygen@kenyanfl.com and we will get back to you as soon as possible! You can also give us a call on +254722635475/+254755498982.
Currently, our teams in regions such as Nairobi, Western and Nyanza would benefit greatly from having a skilled or experienced coach/referee. KFAF will provide game resources that you and your players can equip to enjoy gameplay. Once you're placed, you will be expected to conduct clinics and trainings coordinated by KFAF in the region.
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KFAF officials met with the directorate of sports at Kenyatta University(KU), led by Dr. Florence Wanjiru Gitau, where they had a presentation on both flag and tackle football programs. KU is unknown for its sporting prowess in East Africa, and it would be a great addition to our local league as we expand. "Introducing American football in KU promotes sports diversity and aligns well with our agenda as a department," said Dr. Florence.
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It was a successful day at the University of Nairobi, where players came out in numbers to participate in two hand touch (Flag football) organized by the Mighty Nyati. The tournament was well attended by both genders that were present to not only witness the game but also promote the sport.
The day was ushered in with a nice warm up from players followed by a brief talk from head coach DAN ECK, who explained the rules of the game and later split players into teams. Two hand touch was a exhilarating encounter for most. Experienced players had a chance to show case their foot works, skills and ball handling ability.
Having 5 teams in total, team two emerged top due to consistency in terms of wins and they acquired no losses.
The MVP Derrick Gesora from the mighty Nyati squad duped a couple of defenses repeatedly without fail with his eyes and shoulder, which pulled them away from the intended receiver.
While Andrew Keitany from the Umoja chiefs got the best and promising Tight End award. He bullied the defense with his body size, while his gigantic hands couldn’t let the football slip off. It was a spectacular show as hundreds watched on the sidelines.
Jkuat sparrows will be our second host of the tournament .This kind of tournaments have enabled teams to recruit more young players and thus growing the numbers as they prepare for tackle football come October.
Come out this Saturday to watch the beautiful sport and the thrilling tournament. Thank you. Don’t Miss Out.
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The stage was set, expectations raised and the highly charged men in shoulder pads and helmets delivered extremely well to quench the curiosity the thousands of spectators and by standers in the just ended East Africa university games. The 10th editions of the games were held in Jomo Kenyatta University of Science and technology 16-17 December 2016. The sport is said to be the most spectated as it’s the first time a demonstration of this kind to be conducted is such a high competition. Both local and international Media houses were on high alert to witness the course of sports History written.
Robinson Okinyi(KTN) was live with Brian Nakitare (JKUAT sparrows), LEE Gullu (UMOJACHIEFS) and Teddy kinyua(Mighty Nyati)
This stretches back to 5 months of preparation; KFAF president had request for a demonstration of the sport in the games from the organizing committee. His efforts were backed up by the fact that the host University had an existing team. “This has given the students to showcase the beauty of the sport to those who haven’t had a chance to see/ watch it up close. We believe with such platforms we can spark interest from other universities to accommodate the sport in their disciplines”. Said Mr. Alwanga. “would like to see the sport as competitive as other sports here in Kenya and East African at large.” He added
Demonstration was conducted by the three teams that have been training jointly every Saturday on rotational basis with University of Nairobi, Jomo Kenyatta and Umojachiefs grounds being the hub of the high contact sport. this was coordinated by head coach Dan Eck
Students fro other Universities pose with Kenyan stars
More than 35 universities took part in the tournament as 18 disciplines offered opportunity to competitors. Uganda Makerere University had a American football team but it said to have collapsed due to the technicality and complexity of the sport,unfortunately same cases unfolded in Tanzania (Dar University)and Rwanda(Kigali institute of Science and Technology). Otherwise this would be a competitive sport in the 10th edition of East Africa Games.
“We haven’t had a competitive game this year as we were building and selecting a National team, this are purely graduates or students in Kenya universities.” said Teddy Ondiekassistant coach National team, and the Defensive coordinator. He also added “we have maximized on this opportunity to show case the game and more is to follow as we plan to host a team from Jordan for our first international game.”
Ass. Coach National team and defensive coordinator
A senior player form Jkuat Sparrows Mark Omodi former captain, and feared Running backhelped to coordinate the event . “ I have never been this hyped about an event, this got my adrenaline running and all I wanted was to see myself in full gear running the ball before thousands of spectators.” You should see his enthusiasm while saying this to the cameras.
mark omondi before the game
Fresh talks might have emerged to revive the mentioned institutions in East Africa to develop teams as they already have equipment and facilities they only need technical staff (coaches). Makerere university was quick to reach out to KFAF president after the demonstration of the sport in JKUAT. Kenya Federation of American football will help to build up a plan for that purpose.
The American football team is in preparation to host a foreign team into the country from Jordan for an international friendly. The team is expected in March and this will be the first team for international competition.
2016 has been been our year of growth, we look forward to 2017 for much more better growth and development of the sport.
Section of the teams
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The long awaited game dubbed ‘battle of supremacy’ finally came to pass with Umojachiefs stamping Grand warriors to secure a win away. Chiefs have now won against the two juja teams and are holding on the victory mantle. the young team also basks in the glory of a huge fan base from the community as their home games are highly attended.
Umoja chiefs are leading the standing so far with 2 wins and 1 loss. This community-based team was founded by George Alwanga and Suleiman Shaban 2 years ago are now the league favorites from the style of play. The young men have bigger ambitions and goals in this game. ‘we play Big with our heads High, we not only here to compete but enjoy the game‘ said the captain Umojachiefs.
The 3 other teams are, however, enjoying massive support and facilities from respective institutions(the University of Nairobi and Jomo Kenyatta University) and quality coaching from Teddy and Edwin Osuma respectively.
The league Kenya 8-Men American football league was established to promote the sport in Kenya and also an opportunity for the athletes to showcase their skills as they learn more about the sport.
The first league ends on 22nd of July, where Mighty Nyati(University of Nairobi) will host JKUAT Sparrows. Nyati will have a chance to go second on the league standing while winless Sparrows scavaging for a win to stay above deep waters.
The league takes a break after the showdown at the University Of Nairobi and, it will resume towards the end of August. During the break joint training camps will be held, coaching clinics and public demonstrations.
in an effort to create awareness of the sport and, recruit more players to join the teams. United States International University(USIU) already are recruiting players for an 8-man tackle team while Kenyatta University has invited teams for demonstration.
Just like the rising sun conquers over the mountains, American football in Kenya has a clear vision and goals of the same heights.
Top performers in the League.
Brian Nakitare-RB(Grand warriors)
Denver Cockey-safety(Sparrows).
lee Gullu- WR(UMOJA chiefs)
EDWIN Osuma-QB(Mighty Nyati)
Top rookies
SANCHEZ (RB UMOJACHIEFS)
8-man tackle team, Umojachiefs
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kenyanfl
“Winning is not a sometime thing; it’s an all the time thing. You don’t win once in a while, you don’t do things right once in a while; you have to do them right all the time. Today is not about the past and it’s not about the future. It’s about right now. And you guys have got to want this feeling to last forever. You tell everyone or anyone that has ever doubted, thought they did not measure up or wanted to quit, you tell them to look up, get up and don’t ever give up. “Indeed words of wisdom; from one of the greatest people that has played a big part in the JKUAT SPARROWS TEAM.
A few months ago we have witnessed the transformation of the JKUAT sparrows into a hungry team that has proven to be committed and more than once it has displayed amazing performances on several accounts pinning down their biggest rivals University Of Nairobi (THE MIGHTY NYATI).
SPARROWS COACH has played a big part on the SPAROWS team, He has given the young boys a chance to be better at what they do, a chance to prove and believe in themselves and that chance was by playing good FOOTBALL.
THE Saturday of November 7th 2015 witnessed the JKUAT SPARROWS claim the only victory which left no regret to those that had been gained over ignorance at the Nyayo National stadium. The battle took its normal curve as soon as the whistle was blown with the JKUAT sparrows commanding the game with successive runs from their running backs Mark omondi okello and Brian Nakitare.
MIGHTY NYATI were finally punished with a single touchdown when Mark Omondi dashed 8 yards past the Nyati safeties to put the JKUAT SPARROWS 6-0 AHEAD.
The rest of the game saw the MIGHTY NYATI gain possession with a series of runs and throws from their QB TONY OKELLO but jkuat sparrows once again produced a classical defensive combat to deny their opponents even a single touchdown, a habit that has witnessed even the coach himself [jkuat], say ‘our default has always been defense because we always do it better. “Today we played well, big games and a series of yards gained, we were just unlucky to fail to score when we had a chance. general am impressed with my team and this is the first time am not bitter with the loss. will get them some day, and they will pay heavily.” said tony NYATI quarterback
Lastly all thanks to the the NEW KISS100 fm team that made it happen in collaboration with fresh chewing gum and all the winning teams that produced amazing performances.
REMEMBER HARDWORK BEATS TALENT WHEN TALENT STOPS WORKING, BUT WHEN TALENT WORKS HARDER, IT’S OVER.
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Going by Maseno’s superb record and their recent Revitalization of adoption of new sports, KFAF had hopes that Maseno would quickly accept and familiarize the sport within the University after successful espousal of Ultimate Frisbee and Women’s Rugby in 2018.
Alwanga argues that convincing Maseno University to accept the game is good for the promotion of Kenyan Federation of American Football, as Maseno University becomes fifth in Kenya and first in Kenya University Sports Association Western Conference to embrace American flag football KFAF targets other seven major Universities in Western Conference before exploring others conferences.
The seven Universities include Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, Masinde Muliro, University of Kabianga Kaimosi Friends University College, Rongo University Kibabi University and Kisii University.
Prior to the introduction of the Sports at Maseno University, KFAF had successfully introduced the sports in JKUAT, USIU, Multimedia University and the University of Nairobi in the Nairobi Conference. Alwanga said: “The federation will grant the best Maseno University players chances to represent Kenya in both national and international competitions. MasenoUniSports head Ms. Joan Adalo added that Maseno will work closely with KFAF and will be in the forefront in embracing the sports across Western Conference and that the team is leaving nothing to chance as far as promotion is concerned
“I am pleased with the way we played and utilized this wonderful opportunity brought to us by the visitors, we will fully support American football if you (Athletes) put into action our slogan #JitumeUtume.” Joan added.
Kenyan Federation of American Football President George Alwanga believes the successful adoption of American flag football by Maseno University, College Campus Maseno, is the greatest indicator of their full intrusion of a new sport in Kenya.
Going by Maseno’s superb record and their recent Revitalization of adoption of new sports, KFAF had hopes that Maseno would quickly accept and familiarize the sport within the University after successful espousal of Ultimate Frisbee and Women’s Rugby in 2018.
Alwanga argues that convincing Maseno University to accept the game is good for the promotion of Kenyan Federation of American Football, as Maseno University becomes fifth in Kenya and first in Kenya University Sports Association Western Conference to embrace American flag football KFAF targets other seven major Universities in Western Conference before exploring others conferences.
The seven Universities include Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, Masinde Muliro, University of Kabianga Kaimosi Friends University College, Rongo University Kibabi University and Kisii University.
Prior to the introduction of the Sports at Maseno University, KFAF had successfully introduced the sports in JKUAT, USIU, Multimedia University and the University of Nairobi in the Nairobi Conference. Alwanga said: “The federation will grant the best Maseno University players chances to represent Kenya in both national and international competitions. MasenoUniSports head Ms. Joan Adalo added that Maseno will work closely with KFAF and will be in the forefront in embracing the sports across Western Conference and that the team is leaving nothing to chance as far as promotion is concerned
“I am pleased with the way we played and utilized this wonderful opportunity brought to us by the visitors, we will fully support American football if you (Athletes) put into action our slogan #JitumeUtume.” Joan added.
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