New 8 Man American Football League taking off in Kenya

After many years of scraping and scrounging just to find equipment, and then finding coaches, the Kenya 8-Men American Football League,  is finally underway with four teams.

The University of Nairobi Mighty Nyati, JKUAT Sparrows, Umoja Chiefs and  Juja Stars have been battling out during the first half of a season which will wind up with a championship final in late August.

The Umoja Chiefs lead the standings for far with a record of two wins and one loss. The team is coached by one of the founders of the league and a pioneer of football in Kenya, George Alwanga.

However, the three other teams have enjoyed massive support from their respective institutions (University of Nairobi and Jomo Kenyatta University) and coaching from Tedy and Edwin Osuma (University of Nairobi).

The league will reach its midseason this weekend, on July 22 with the Mighty Nyati hosting the JKUAT Sparrows,. The Nyati will be looking to secure second place while the winless Sparrows need a chance to prove themselves.

The league then takes a three week break before returning to action in mid August.

According to Alwanga,  football will still continue during the break with training camps open to the public, game officials clinics and demonstrations by the players.

Top players so far in the league are running back Brian Nakitare of the Grand Warriors, safety Denver Cockey from the Sparrows, wide receiver Lee Gullu of the Umoja Chiefs and quarterback Edwin Osuma from the Mighty Nyati.

Apart from the 8 Man league, the Kenyan Federation of American Football is also planning a junior league for high school students aged 16 to 20. For more information check out the KenyaNFL website.