By BS MULAVI

Nick Barasa of Tusker Simbas team sprints with the ball during training session in Nairobi. Tusker Simbas lost 51-10 to SWD Eagles in Cape Town, South Africa during the Vodacom Cup tournament on Saturday. [PHOTO: FILE/STANDARD]

Tusker Simbas head coach Jerome Parwaater has rued missed chances in their 51-10 loss to SWD Eagles in the Vodacom Cup in South Africa over the weekend.

“In this tournament if you do not take your chances you get punished for it,” he told Feverpitch from Cape Town. “We had quite a number of opportunities to score in the early exchanges of the game, but unfortunately we didn’t.”

“SWD Eagles took theirs (opportunities) and they rightfully won the game.”

Even though Kenya lost heavily, Parwaater claims that the score was not a true reflection of the game.

“We did play well at some phases of the game and I don’t think we deserved to lose that heavily.”

Parwaater went on to explain that despite the match outcome, he feels that the game gave the players some valuable experience as they plan ahead.

“We have started to identify some players who have adapted really well to the level of play here in South Africa  and there is definitely growth in the team.

“It was also a good opportunity to see some of the other players who did not get a chance to play last weekend get into action. The experience gained from the game will be of great assistance to their development as players,” he added.

“It is always disappointing to lose, because no team plays this game to lose and we are always looking for that win. But for now we need to stay focused on our long term goals.”

Parwaater has already started planning for their next fixture and says he is expecting another tough duel.

“The tournament always gets harder as you progress and we are expecting no easy games,” he said.

We have played our first two games in Cape Town, which meant the team did not have to travel, but now we head to East London where we are to play Border.

The travelling will mean we have less time to prepare as compared to our previous games.”

“We will travel on Thursday and play on Saturday and thus the team will have to settle fast and adapt to the new conditions,” he explained.

“Fortunately we have no serious injuries but the intensity of the games will start to take its toll on the team and that is where our depth will truly be tested.”  

— brian.sagala@gmail.com