Nairobi Star (Nairobi)
William Njuguna
14 December 2011
Kenya sevens coach Mitch Ocholla expects the inclusion of senior players for the fourth leg to kick-start the team’s campaign in the IRB series during the New Zealand led in February Ocholla hopes to have senior players-star winger Collins Injera, Lavin Asego and Biko Adema- for the fourth and fifth leg slated for the Las Vegas. “I expect the experience of the senior players to shine through the team when we play in Wellington.
I am sure our young players will learn greatly from them,” he added. Ocholla said they will do a comprehensive audit of the team’s poor display in the three legs with a view to correct their mistakes in the team. “Yes we had issues with ball retention, tackling and handling but with six weeks before Wellington leg, all those issues will be sorted out and we will get some wins on the board,” said Ocholla.
He termed the pool in Wellington as favourable, saying they are ready to face France and Australia. “We have already played Australia and we ran them quite close while France seem to be a strong side but this being the game of Sevens, anything can happen,” he added. The team will take a 10-day break and resume training after the Christmas festivities for the next leg of the IRB series.
Elsewhere, Kenya Cup champions Quins suffered their first defeat in more than a year when they lost 12-5 to newly promoted Homeboyz 12-5. The champions were without 17 players, who were on duty with the Kenya 15s team and Kenya Sevens side in South Africa. Dan Weku scored for Homeboyz who led 5-0 at half time. Homeboyz took advantage of in the opening half when Quins forward Ernest Ngong was red carded, leaving the champions to play with 14 men for over an hour and Homeboyz capitalised on the numerical advantage.
On resumption, Homeboyz lock Emmanuel Mavalla crossed the line and Steve Sakwa added the conversion. Player-cum-coach Paul Murunga admitted this was not an easy win. “We dominated in the forwards and were the better side in the match for long periods,” added Ocholla. Mwamba edged past Nakuru 18-15 in a thrilling match. Vincent Jumba and Collins Injera scored a try apiece for Kulabu with Bryan Otieno kicking over one conversion and two penalties. Nakuru replied through Eric Moachache and Edwin Makori with one try each.
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