How the little-known Roll Ball sport found its way to Nakuru
Kelly Reagan ( Roots Academy) dribbling the ball past opponents of Chantilly school on July 6, 2024.
What happens when you combine the dynamic, high-energy sport involving rapid passing of handball with the impressive stunts of skating?
Well ladies and gentlemen, this is what roll ball is.
This sport that has taken shape in Kenya over the last 14 years was started by Samuel Litaba, the President of the Committee.
It started with the senior team consisting of players who are over 18 years and now we have categories of under 11 years, under 14 years and juniors.
Speaking to Joseph Alukhala, the Chairman of the Kenya Junior Roll ball technical committee, he says the sport has grown exponentially over the years in Kenya.
Joseph Alukhala, the Chairman of the Kenya Junior Roll ball technical committee presiding over a game during 5th Matchday at Roots Academy on July 6, 2024.
"Currently, we have 22 teams that play in the senior league and at the moment Kenya are the world champions in both the men and women categories" he notes.
The sport consists of two teams that have a maximum of 12 players with six players playing at a time.
Each age category has its own time for example, under 11 play 7 minutes each half with a 2-minute break while under 14 play 10 minutes each half with a 2-minute break.
Each half has two time outs so each team can call for it when maybe a coach wants to pass a message and strategize.
With regards to the rules, a player can't hold the ball for more than three seconds. The players need to show they are making an attempt at the opponent’s goal post otherwise not doing so is considered a passive play.
As for the other rules, they are more or less similar to those of other sports as no pushing and pulling are allowed.
David Kimemia (Roots Academy) preparing to shoot the ball after a fast break during their game against Chantilly on July 6, 2024.
Any foul is punishable by yellow and red cards. When one gets two yellow cards that becomes an automatic red, while three continuous fouls also lead to a red card.
The game consists of six positions and including the goal keeper, the left wing, the second left back, the centre back/play maker, the send right back and the right winger.
The Chairman says that the National Junior League has also taken shape in many schools as it is evident from the stiff competition witnessed during the 5th Match day of the Kenya Junior Roll ball league that was held at Roots Academy.
Rollball players defend their goal post during the 5th Matchday of the Kenya Junior Roll ball league that was held at Roots Academy on July 6, 2024.
"We decided to bring the games to Nakuru this time as a way of also looking to expand the sport to other places since skating is a sport that is really being embraced by many here, especially the young generation," Mr Alukhala explains.
He concludes by saying that there is passion and love for the game. He also points out that when they started there were only two clubs but now there are 13 clubs in the male side and 10 clubs in the female side across the country.