National 15s rugby team is in upbeat mood ahead of their tie against Zimbabwe in the finals of Confederation of African Rugby (CAR) tournament in Antananarivo, Madagascar tomorrow.
Kenya qualified for the final of the tournament after an emphatic 52-11 drubbing of Uganda in the semis on Wednesday. Kenya’s big score against their bitter rivals and neighbours Uganda has boosted the players morale according to Team Manager Wangila Simiyu.
Speaking to Ferverpitch from Madagascar, Simiyu praised Kenya’s good run in the tournament, especially the victory against Uganda.
He said the team has now set its focus firmly onZimbabwe, who defeated the hosts Madagascar in the other semi final of the tournament.
“The morale is high in the camp and we believe we have what it takes to win the tournament,” said Simiyu.
“We received quite a number of knocks against Uganda but we have minimal injuries with the exception of Achayo, who we are monitoring his progress ahead of the fixture.”
Simiyu went on to explain the reason behind the high score victory and Kenya’s plan ahead of their next crucial tie.
“We executed our game plan very well against Uganda and I think the team is just reaping the benefits of the tactical assistance we have received from our new national coach Jerome Parwaater from South Africa,” he said.
Simiyu feels that the side is currently playing better than how they performed in the just concluded Elgon Cup, which served as a platform for them to prepare for the continental tournament.
World Cup qualification
According to the Kenya Commercial Bank tactician, Kenya has officially opened the door to qualification for the 2015 fifteens World Cup in England.
The win for Kenya against Uganda means Kenya remain in tier 1A of the tournament, which is where they need to be in order to remain within the qualification bracket for the World Cup.
“We are under no illusions and we know the hard work begins now,” he said.
“This is the point where we need the contribution of all stakeholders. The players need to train extra hard while the Union, the government and sponsors need to ensure we have adequate resources to prepare them.
“If we want to continue performing well and even have better displays in future, we need to keep playing International matches with top teams.”
Kenya Rugby Union have always claimed through their chairman Mwangi Muthee that their top priority is to make it to the World Cup and a lot of attention will be directed on the team from Sunday throughout the entire campaign.
By BS Mulavi, The Standard
