Rugby league continues development in Congo, Ghana and Cameroon
Formalised rugby league competitions have started in DR Congo and Ghana, and a new board in place in Cameroon.
Congo RL has commenced their championship with RL Colombe winning the opening match 14-6 against RL Coeur de Lion at Stadium Azuri. In all there are seven teams in the competition, the others being RL La Baleine, RL Le Coq, RL Tigre, RL Les Aigles and RL Abeilles.
The next fixtures this weekend are on Saturday when Baleine face Le Coq at Stadium Orthodoxe, and on Sunday as Tigre take on Abeilles at Stadium Epanza. The grand Final is set for 25 November at Stade de l’unité d’uvira.
Congo are also planning on playing a return international fixture away in Burundi on 27th October.
The Cameroon RL XIII has announced a change of leadership with a new president, Adamou Sadjou Bouba, appointed by the board, which has also appointed new members with added experience.
“My fundamental goal is to manage this association with a lot of devotion, diligence and transparency which ties with the values and vision of the International Rugby League Federation,” said Bouba.
“I look forward to engaging in a fruitful collaboration with CRL XIII board members to support the youth of Cameroon.
“We are planning to complete our championship, get government recognition by becoming a federation and to become an affiliate member of the RLEF. In this regard, we plan to organise an international rugby encounter between the national teams of Ghana and Cameroon as soon as possible.”
The new board members are Ghana head coach Khalil Njoya, vice president Gilles Mekem and competitions co-ordinator Theres Evina Mbga Epouse Boissie.
CRL XIII general manager Carol Manga commented: “We thank everyone for their support. CRL XIII is all about social integration and inclusion for the young people of the country.”
The final of the inaugural Accra 9s tournament has gone to a replay this weekend after Skolars RLFC and Jamestown Pirates drew 6-6 in the decider. Spread over two weekends at the University of Ghana in Legon, four teams took part, the others being University of Ghana Bulls and Medina Panthers.
Skolars went through their three games unbeaten, Jamestown losing only to their rivals but the pair could not be separated in the final, the sides playing extended golden point extra time until fading light intervened.
In the third place play off, Madina took the spoils 18-12, again in golden point extra time. Skolars’ coach Jafaru Mustaphu commented: “It has been a really splendid occasion and a sight to behold. I really enjoyed every bit of every day and we get to do this again.”
Top try scorer was University forward Jordan Annan, who claimed four for the Bulls, with Skolars’ William Pearce-Biney on three alongside team mates Eddy Donkor and their captain Glen Anokye.
Panthers’ player Seeba Mohammed said: “The aggressiveness and team spirit were encouraging.
“The guys loved the moves and the competition. It was inspiring to finish third.”
Former New Zealand international Heta Mann presented them with their trophy.