Rugby coach say team to stay put

By BS Mulavi and Erick Ochieng’

Kenya national Sevens rugby team Coach Benjamin Ayimba has ruled out a total overhaul of his side ahead of the remaining two legs of the IRB Sevens Circuit.

Speaking on their arrival at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport after a dismal performance in the fifth and sixth legs of IRB Sevens Circuit.

"I am not considering a total change of the team as this will only be disastrous, said Ayimba "

The Sevens team returned with only eight points to show for their endeavours in Adelaide and Hong Kong and Ayimba is one frustrated man after setting up such a high bar for the team last season.

National Sevens rugby team coach Benjamin Ayimba at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport upon arrival from Hong Kong leg of the IRB circuit, on Tuesday. Photo: Jonah Onyango/Standard . Keep Reading  UNEA: Summit ends with promise to keep an eye on pollution, waste  Harnessing insurance as a climate resilience tool  We need more climate-informed health planning approaches in climate action plans  Insurance as a mechanism for building climate resilience  Building new Africa cities that can cope with climate shocks

The team emerged sixth last season in the standings with 44 points, the highest Kenya has ever recorded.

Expectations were high this season with most people expecting growth in the team. Ironically, the team has already garnered 52 points with two more legs to go and are seventh in the IRB circuit standings.

Small setback

The competition in the IRB circuit is so intensive that a small setback such as the Adelaide leg leaves the team in a spin. Fans are so used to the team winning that anything less only leaves them frustrated.

Ayimba has found himself in a cul-de-sac where he and his team were heavily criticised with some fans baying for his blood.

Even though most fans put their weight behind the team, the frustration of not contending for top honours continues to haunt them as they watch every game.

Ayimba has at many times felt he has not had a good rub of the green, with some critical officiating decisions not going their way.

Lion’s share

But this is one area he will just have to work around because even New Zealand Coach Gordon Tietjens has heard his complaints. It is highly acknowledged that his team gets the lion’s share of good calls.

Ayimba has instead praised the return of old guards Victor Sudi and Dennis Mwanja whom he says performed well on their return.

Ayimba was received at the airport by the Kenya Rugby Union top brass and Commissioner of Sports Gordon Oluoch.

KRU Vice Chair Fred Odhiambo promised to meet other directors of rugby in a few weeks time to discuss the recent performances and chart the way forward.

The team will, however, be glad to hear that the Government will be getting more involved with the team in the rest of the Sevens campaign.

Oluoch said: "We will be teaming up with Kenya Airways to see how to help the team financially and in any other way in the remaining Sevens legs."

The last two legs of the circuit are scheduled for May 22 and 29 in London and Scotland and it is music to many to hear that Ayimba will not relent in his pursuit for silver ware: "For now it is a mandatory two-week rest for the players after which it is back to serious training as we look to get the maximum 48 points from the two legs."