FRIDAY CAME, SAW AND CONQUERED: Former Sevens coach leads Samurai to Sevens title

Samurai celebrate Sevens win

Mike Friday returned to haunt his former employers as he led Samurai International to a 20-19 victory over Kenya’s Shujaa in a Main Cup final yesterday at Kasarani Stadium.

“I am proud of the boys, but Kenyans should be proud of their team too. It is a fantastic feeling to come back to Kenya for the first time in two years and get a win in a main cup final. Credit goes to the players and my coaching staff,” Friday told FeverPitch.

Commenting on Kenya’s trio of Oscar Ouma, Sammy Oliech and Felix Ayange, who were instrumental in Samurai’s victory, the Briton said: “Kenyan players are still close to my heart, but I congratulate the three for a job well done. They have proved the selectors right and it is my hope they will get more chances in future.”

But for his Shujaa’s counterpart Benjamin Ayimba, the boys played their hearts out.

“The boys performed brilliantly, way beyond my expectations. It was a good showing and we hope to correct our mistakes before Olympics qualifiers,” said Ayimba.

“We fielded a youthful team and one thing is for sure, Frank Wanyama and company have proved themselves.”

Samurai drew the first blood through Martins Ignacio’s unsuccessful try, before they were reduced to six men. Ignacio made it 10-0 after he failed to convert.

Andrew Amonde pulled a try back for Shujaa, which was converted by Biko Adema making the scores 10-7.

Augustine Lugonzo raced through the middle and touched down, with Adema converting for a 14-10 halftime lead. Shujaa extended the lead through Frank Wanyama’s try, but he had to be replaced with Jeffery Oluoch after sustaining an injury. Kenya, nonetheless, suffered a blow after William Ambaka was booked for an aerial tackle.

Samurai capitalised on the numerical advantage as the Kenyan duo of Sammy Oliech and Oscar Ouma unconverted tries gave Friday a brilliant comeback and eventual victory over Kenya.

Despite the defeat, Ambaka had something to smile about after he was named the Most Valuable Player of the tournament.

Kenya’s second team in the tournament, Morans, won the bowl competition after beating Portugal 26-12.