Ayimba bemoans shambolic approach to rugby tournament

Kenya Sevens head coach Benjamin Ayimba says he has been frustrated by the shambolic national teams’ preparation ahead of this weekend’s Africa Cup and Safari Sevens tournaments to be held at Kasarani Stadium.

With only two days of training, and over eight of the 34 players in the provisional squad injured and a few players opting to play for the visiting teams, Ayimba has warned fans not to expect much from the squad that was assembled by the selectors’ panel at the just concluded National Sevens Series.

Dan Sikuta (Kabras Sugar) will feature for Safari Sevens champions Samurai International, while new call-up Darwin Mukidza (KCB) will play for another visiting team in the 21st edition of the Africa’s Premier rugby tournament.

Kenya, who are the Africa champions, have been drawn in Pool A alongside Nigeria and Senegal. The hosts will kick-off their continental campaign tomorrow at 12.06pm, against Nigeria, before locking horns with Senegal at 7.16pm.

While in the Safari Sevens tournament, last year’s losing finalists Kenya Shujaa headlines Pool A which has Portugal, Cape Warriors and Rwanda.

Although Ayimba, whose post was recently advertised by the Kenya Rugby Union, is worried about the team’s preparation ahead of the two competitions, he is optimistic of a good show starting tomorrow.

“We are treating both tournaments with the seriousness they deserve. But let Kenyans not have too much expectations from the team because of some obvious reasons,” Ayimba said.

“I mean, everything has been shambolic, right from selection to preparation. We have had one training session since assembling on Tuesday. You cannot train a team in two days and expect it to win anything.

“They selected a team and left it to us. I have only 26 fit players as most of the selected players are out injured. The likes of Mukidza (Darwin) and Sikuta (Dan) have shifted allegiance and will not be available for selection.

"What’s happening in the Kenyan rugby is really saddening, but we will just have to use what we have,” he added.

Meanwhile, the ever-popular Veterans tournament will again be held on the sidelines of this weekend’s Safari Sevens.

This year’s tournament will take place tomorrow from 7pm at the Impala Club. Champions Impala will face RVA in their opening Pool A match before entertaining KCB. Kenya Harlequin will do battle with Les Gaulois in the first Pool B fixture before taking on Batuk.

Elsewhere, the Kenya Rugby Union has advertised for the positions of the Kenya Lionesses Head Coach, Team Manager, Physio and Strength & Conditioning Coach.