Kenya, The Undisputed Champions Of Africa.

The Kenya Lions capped off a great rugby season for the country by claiming the CAR division 1A title at the Stade de Mahamasina in Antananarivo, after beating defending Champions the Zimbabwe Sables 29-17.

The Kenya Lions (Photo - KRU)

The Kenya Lions added the African Cup to the Elgon cup title they had picked up last month, in a season that almost mirrored the all conquering 2010-11 run. That season saw Kenya claim the Elgon, Victoria and Africa Cups without losing a single match.

The Lions arrived in Madagascar with one clear goal, to win the African title. That intention was clearly set from the first game. Leading 19-6 at the half, they went on to steam roll past a hapless Uganda 52-11 on Wednesday. This win set up a Final clash against last year's champions Zimbabwe who had impressively recovered from 3-18 score to beat the hosts 25-18.

At this point Kenya and Zimbabwe had already confirmed their places in next year's World Cup qualifiers, but who would go home with the continent's title and bragging rights? The two sides had met 13 times before this with the Sables holding a 8-5 advantage.

The match started with the Lions immediately on the score board, in what has become a familiar sight from the side under Paarwater. Joseph Kangethe going over within two minutes of the start, to make it 5-0. The lions had started the match at a blistering tempo, pressing the Sables relentlessly in defence. This pressure would quickly pay off as Nick Baraza intercepted a pass deep inside the opponents 22 to touch down for 10-0, amid some suspect dancing. Andola opening his boot account to make it 12-0.

The Sables would slowly settle into the game, getting their first points through Tafadzwa Chitokwindo who got past a couple of tackles to score and make it 12-5. This is the same guy who went round the chu chu train in the RWC sevens pool match. Kenya's high tempo start had started to take a toll as the game slowed down allowing the Sables back into the game.

Zimbabwe would further narrow that deficit to 4 points after a successful penalty at 12-8. Kenya would thank their lucky stars after Zimbabwe knocked inches to the try line. They would however narrow the gap to one point a few minutes later to make it 12-11. Andola would increase the Lions lead from the boot, making it 15-11 before the Sables restored the one point gap with a penalty of their own before the break.

The Lions had started the game at a very high tempo, and predictably faded mid way through the half allowing the Sables back into the game. They did well in that half to hold onto the lead after some close shaves the Zimbabweans comfortable with ball in hand. The penalty count was Kenya's biggest misgiving of that half, with the forwards dominating proceedings.

The second half saw Kenya start with the same tempo they did the first, this time though failing to add onto their tally. The Sables surviving this period of pressure before going ahead for the first time in the game, from a penalty to make it 17-15. Kenya made three quick changes with sevens captain Andrew Amonde coming in for Joshua Chisanga, Fabian Olando and Ronnie Mwenesi coming in for Oscar Ayodi and Oliver Mangeni.

Just like in the first half, the Lions picked up the tempo in the closing stages of the half, a push over try by Edwin Achayo handing his side the lead again, Andola converting to make it 22-17. Nick Baraza would complete his brace after beautiful work from Vincent Mose to score at the corner, Andola making no mistake to make the final score 29-17 and hand the Lions their second continental trophy in 3 years.

Lions' captain Wilson Kopondo with the trophy. (Photo KRU)

This win was a culmination of the hard work put in by the side since January, the results were clear for all to see in that match. The lions were much fitter and better conditioned than their opponents, thus able to control the game's tempo at will. The forwards were in great form, dominating for much of that match, the Kangethe twins impressing with great work rate through out the 80 minutes.

In other results, neighbours Uganda went from bad to worse as they fell 38-42 to Madagascar and were consequently relegated from division 1A. Namibia finally gained their long awaited promotion to 1A with 35-12 and 45-13 wins over Senegal and Tunisia respectively. After those results the latest IRB rankings see Kenya jump six places to 31st in the World and 3rd on the continent behind South Africa (2) and Namibia (23). Zimbabwe are 32nd with Morocco in 37th and Uganda in 51st.

That victory in Madagascar was the cherry on the cake in what has been Kenya's best showing on the international scene. If this was wrestling or boxing, it would have been said that Kenya have unified the African rugby titles, having picked up the sevens title in Mombasa earlier in the year. Making Kenya the undisputed Champions of Africa..

So what next from here, with the next championships set to take place in less than 8 months? The side is on a two week break after which preparations will continue. Plans for the side to participate in South Africa's third tier tournament after Super Rugby and Currie Cup, the Vodacom Cup are under way. This should be great exposure for the side, Argentina and Namibia have previously played in the same tournament.

The tournament is usually played in February, and would be the perfect preparation for next year's 1A championships set to take place in March. Before the Vodacom Cup the side should also play in a few matches before the close of the year, and no not against Uganda. Implementation of these plans will need a sizeable amount of resources, with the likes of Migaa already on board we are heading in the right direction. All preparations going according to plan and avoiding any side shows, this Lions side is firmly matching to London 2015.

With that ladies and gents....

KWISHA....Nimeruka Nje!!!!