NYS Spades coach reveals secret behind team’s fighting spirit

NYS Spades may be one of the fresh faces on the National Sevens Circuit, but their performances so far have shown a team unafraid to challenge the established order.

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The Thika Road-based side finished 10th at the Embu 7s with seven points, narrowly missing out on a place in the Main Cup quarter-finals after a demanding Pool B campaign that pitted them against Menengai Oilers, Kenya Harlequins and hosts Embu RFC.

The Spades emphatically opened their campaign, dispatching Embu RFC 27-5 before suffering a 17-0 defeat to Kenya Harlequin. They then went down 5-0 to Menengai Oilers, a result that ended their hopes of progressing to the Main Cup knockout stage.

However, the disappointment did little to dent the team’s resolve.

The Spades regrouped for the Challenge Cup, beating Mombasa RFC 24-10 in the quarter-finals before producing one of their most impressive results of the tournament. They edged Strathmore Leos 22-17 in a tense semi-final that was decided in sudden death.

While the result did not deliver the Main Cup run they had targeted, the team’s head coach Martin Munga believes the response after the setback is a reflection of the quality that defines his team.

19.45: (3.15) Fenerbahce (3.45) Roma (2.25)

“The boys played very well in Embu. We had set ourselves a target of reaching the Main Cup quarter-finals, but unfortunately, we did not achieve it. However, they picked themselves up and played to the best of their ability,” Munga said.

The coach admitted some areas still needed attention, particularly their restarts, after the Spades lost two opportunities against the Oilers that could have changed the complexion of the match.

“We lost two restarts that we should have received, and generally, we lost the game against the Oilers. We will go back and work on our restarts,” he said.

But beyond the technical and tactical work, Munga says the biggest driver of the Spades’ performances is something harder to coach: their hunger.

“They are hungry for success, so they work really hard. I think it is simply the urge to see the fruits of their hard work,” he averred.

That hunger has become a defining feature of the Spades’ campaign. Despite facing more established opposition, they have consistently shown a willingness to fight until the final whistle. Their quarter-final appearance at the Driftwood 7s provided an indication of their growing competitiveness.

19.45: (1.43) PSV (4.60) Shakhtar (7.25)

For Munga, the team’s determination comes from keeping their ambitions clear and ensuring the players understand what they are working towards.

“We talk a lot about our targets and what they want to achieve, and they are just putting into practice what we usually talk about,” he revealed.

The Spades now turn their attention to the Christie 7s, where they have another opportunity to achieve the target that eluded them in Embu.

They have been drawn in Pool B alongside heavyweights Kabras RFC, Blak Blad and Division One newcomers Mean Machine, setting up another stern test for the ambitious side.

Munga’s message to his players is simple.

“We still have a target of reaching the Main Cup quarter-finals at the Christie 7s. I urge the boys to keep their cool heads, believe in themselves and, above all, stay humble,” he said.

22.00: (1.10) Bayern (10.0) Bodo (16.0)

The Spades have scooped 19 points from the five legs played and currently sit 12th in the overall National Sevens Circuit standings.