There are moments in school sports that feel bigger than the result. Moments where you can clearly see a system working, a pathway taking shape, and young players stepping into it with confidence. This year’s KSSSA national games delivered exactly that and at the heart of it was the DBA Rugby Academy pipeline.

A Final That Meant More

The U15 final at the 2026 KSSSA national games was different from the start. Mahiakalo JSS (Western Region) led by DBA Futures Cup and Dream Team halfback Harrison Mekula, lined up against Winam Academy (Nyanza) captained by Vincent Barasa, another product of the grassroot development system. It was a tight and physical contest, the kind where small moments would decide every moment of the game. Mahiakalo however held their own to win 10 - 5 and lift the national title.

Beyond the result, there was a bigger take away. Both teams were built around players who have come through the same pathway, different jerseys but same foundation.

Futures Cup Boys Stepping Up

Mahiakalo’s run to clinching the national title was driven by a core of Future Cup Players who have been growing together over time at the Western Wanderers camp:

• Harrison Mekula
• Harrison Ateku
• Cyril Andayi
• Malvin Alwanda

These boys did not look out of place on the national stage. If anything ,they looked settled, comfortable making decisions, controlling the game tempo and managing pressure as cited by coach Hassan. Malvin Alwanda, younger brother to Rayvon “ Forest” Amunga, continues to build his own story. His presence was felt throughout, very direct in attack, strong in contact and vocal when the team needed direction.

On the other side, Vincent Barasa led Winam Academy with equal authority. It said alot that the final came down to the two halfbacks who have both come through DBA Rugby Academy structures.

Girl’s Game Showing the Same Signs

In the u15 girls’ final, Rift Valley edged Central Region in a closely fought match with the young girls showing off their skills and courage.

Central featured two DBA Futures Cup players, including Dream Team player Sharon Mukoya. Even in defeat, there was a level of confidence and awareness in their plays that stood out. They looked prepared for the stage and proved that .

At the senior level, Sigoti Girls Complex who have a number of our DBA Africa Dream Team players the likes of Shirleen Ingaso,Mary Awino and many others narrowly missed out on a place in the semi-finals of the 15s competition. The results did not quite go their way, but the performances did not go unnoticed.A number of DBA U15 Dream Team players stepped up against older opposition, showing composure and intent. There’s a sense that this group is not far off.

The Pipeline in Action

What stood out across all the categories was not just individual talents but also the consistency in how these young athletes approached the game and that comes from repetition. From being in environments where the basics are done right over and over again to understanding roles early and being given the chance to grow into them, the youth development through the DBA pathway is starting to show its shape.

Players are identified early, brought into structured environments and exposed to competitions and festivals like the Futures Cup. From there, the best are pushed further into Dream Team selections, regional representations and now national school competitions. By the time these athletes get to stages like KSSSA nationals, they are not trying to figure things out, they are building on what they already know.

What DBA Does at Grassroots

DBA Rugby Academy is focused on getting the early stages right. It starts with access, bringing the game to young players who might not otherwise have the opportunity. Then comes structure, regular training , clear coaching pathways and an emphasis on fundamentals. It does not stop there, game understanding is a big part of the process. Players are taught how to read situations, make decisions and play with awareness. It is not just about drills, it’s about thinking rugby.

The Futures Cup has become a key part of the rugby development pathway. It gives players a stage to test themselves, to compete and to be seen. From there , the pathway opens up Dream Team selections, tours and higher levels of competition. What showed at KSSSA nationals is what happens when that process is consistent.

With players from the same system now deciding national finals, the standard is only going one way. There’s already a sense of what this means for the next cycle. The 2026 Futures Cup will carry a different weight. Expectations will be higher. The level will rise. And if this group is anything to go by, the next wave is already on its way.