By BS MULAVI
Bamburi Rugby Super Series Champions Rhinos remain confident they will qualify to the semi final stages of the tournament.
The champs play their last group game against Buffaloes today at the Nakuru Athletics Sports Club. Rhinos won one game against Victoria in Nairobi, but lost their second tie against Rwenzori in Kampala.
This means they will have to win today’s fixture against the Buffaloes to make it to the next stage in their quest to successfully defend their crown.
Speaking to Feverpitch, Rhino’s coach Eric Situma rued their defeat a week today but was pleased at the opportunity they got to field their young players.
“We travelled to Uganda without many of our senior players, and unfortunately we lost, but I am glad because we got a chance to field some of our younger players and we can utilise them as the tournament goes on,” said Situma.
“Despite the losses we do not really feel under pressure because we managed to get bonus points from our previous two games, which puts us second in the group with six points. Therefore, all we need is to win by whatever margin and we will have ten points, which is enough for us to get through.
“Our number one aim for the day is to win, however that does not mean that we will not try to score as many points as possible. From the calibre of players we have, I am sure they will try to squeeze every point they can get from the game and we are confident that we can play very well.”
This will be the first game in the tournament to be played in Nakuru, but Situma is positive that the new venue will work to their advantage, as it is the home ground of Nakuru RFC, who are a constituent of the Rhinos Francshise alongside Kenya Harlequin.
“The drive will be shorter for us in comparison to the Buffaloes coming from Mombasa, and the home advantage will definitely give us a slight edge,” said Situma.
The Former Kenya international said they expect a tough test from the Buffaloes though they will be ready to weather the storm in their strides.
Buffaloes will be playing for pride as they look to ensure that they don’t go through the group stages without registering even a single victory. Should the Rhinos lose it will be their second defeat in the tournament in three years.
