PREPARE FOR OUR WRATH:Kenya all ready for Cape Town IRB rugby Sevens series
Rugby
By
John Lawrence
| Dec 09, 2016
Tomorrow, when Kenya rugby Sevens players emerge from Cape Town Stadium's tunnel at full speed for the second IRB leg, memories of last year's Jamhuri Day will still linger in their minds.
Who would forget the inaugural Cape Town Sevens held on December 12, 2015? Maybe the hosts, South Africa.
The crowd in South Africa would definitely have a different feeling about their African nemesis, who a year ago, stunned Blitzboks with a 12-14 defeat.
On that day, tension and drama overshadowed everything in the final minute when Cheslin Kolbe dived over in the right hand corner, which sent the 50 000 fans inside the Cape Town Stadium into an emotional frenzy.
But thanks to Television Match Official (TMO), replays showed the South African had knocked on the ball just before the try line.
READ MORE
From aid to enterprise: Refugee businesses expand East Africa's economy
Ruto rewards Sawe Sh8m, car for breaking London marathon record
Over 300 people displaced as heavy rains batter Mombasa
New 2030 plan targets billions in financing for farmers and MSMEs
Maina named Vision 2030 acting director
New initiative to increase accessibility to spectacles launched
Kenya's path to first-world status requires civic reform
To get it right, let us start right: How Kenya can best reclaim Vision 2030
The South African team lost to a vibrant Kenyan side hungry for success at a match that saw Sevens World Player of The Year, Seabelo Senatla, reduced to a mere spectator.
In performance management they say, 'one is only as good as their last results' and ahead of last year's Cape Town assignment, Kenya had lost all their group matches in Dubai, then under coach Benjamin Ayimba.
In the Kenyan team was Collins Injera (captain), Biko Adema, Willy Ambaka, Oscar Ouma, Billy Odhiambo, Leonard Mugaisi, Augustine Lugonzo, Bush Mwale, Frank Wanyama, Jeff Oluoch, Robert Aringo, and Nelson Oyoo.
This time, there will be no Ayimba, instead, Innocent Simiyu will be on the touchline; a tale reminiscent of the events in 2015, save for the fact the inexperienced Simiyu will enjoy services of only five out of the 12 boys, who made history last year.
Simiyu will tomorrow want to win against France before meeting Rio Olympics gold medalists Fiji in their second Pool B match. Kenya will then play Japan in their last match of the day at 7:50pm.
On their part, Africa Sevens champions Uganda will be aiming for a better show after they won their first World Rugby Sevens match in Dubai. The East Africans are in Pool D against Wales, Scotland and Samoa.
Meanwhile, tomorrow's Kenya Cup match between Nondescripts RFC and Resolution Impala Saracens has been postponed following the death of Nondies centre Ogeto Gecheo.