KCB Rugby Sevens head coach Andrew Amonde has conveyed his confidence in his charges ahead of the upcoming Kabeberi Sevens rugby tournament – the fourth leg of the ongoing National Sevens Circuit on 24-25August in Nairobi.
The bankers emerged fifth at the concluded Dala 7s in Kisumu after seeing off Nong-road-based side Nondescripts 31-00 in a mouth-watering encounter at the Jomo Kenyatta Stadium, Mamboleo on Sunday.
“Unfortunately we did not defend our title in Dala but big lessons for these boys. It is a matter of respecting your opponents and showing up to their strengths. Onyala will be with us once we go back to Nairobi, he is an addition who will bring a different environment. We will keep on building in the remaining legs, the margins are not that bad,” said Amonde.
KCB lost 05-12 to Kenya Harlequins in the main cup quarterfinals earlier in the day before thumping Nakuru RFC 29-10 in the fifth playoff semi-final clash during the afternoon fixture.
“We know that we need a lot to work on as we progress in this tournament. Our defence and attacking firepower are still lacking so, that is an area we really need to look into before the next fixtures in Nairobi. I know that mathematically, we can still win the overall crown and that remains our greatest target,” added Amonde.
KCB had a solid start to the tournament yesterday, the team demonstrated its class by winning three out of three matches played to top pool B. However, today’s display was a reminder of the amount of work the team has to put in to stand a chance of lifting the title they won last year.
The return of Olympians Samuel Asati, Vincent Onyala and Festus Shiasi is expected to inject pace and experience into KCB’s squad ahead of the Kabeberi 7s. Both Asati and Shiasi played at the Dala 7s and are set to feature for the team in the remaining legs of the tournament.
After Kabeberi 7s, the circuit will take a one-week break before returning on September 7-8 for Driftwood 7s. Prinsloo Sevens, the final leg of the competition will be held at the Nakuru Athletic Club on 14-15 September.
