After a Plate Semi final exit last week in Dubai, the Kenya 7s will be looking to close what has been an eventful 2013 on a high at the Cell C Nelson Mandela Bay Sevens this weekend.
2013 has been one of the greatest years in Kenya sevens history, a world cup fourth place finish, an African title and a cup final in Wellington just among the many highlights of 2013.
This weekend in South Africa, the side will feature three changes from the side that played in Dubai, Billy Odhiambo, Dan Skuta and Davis Chenge replace Philip Wamae, Mike Wanjala and Patrice Agunda.
As I mentioned earlier it looks like we are looking to increase the physicality in our play with Dan Skuta and Davis Chenge in the forwards, Billy Odhiambo at centre
or wing.
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| Billy Odhiambo In action |
Billy’s call up gives Treu a selection head ache considering Oscar Ayodi’s hot form in Dubai. One of Skuta or Chenge will more than likely move in directly to the starting seven, these two being similar in terms of traits there are no preferences here.
With Wanajala’s exit, Ayange is set to start at sweeper he looked lively whenever he was thrown into a game and his traits in attack will be vital.
We kick off our campaign in Pool B against Spain, who have struggled so far this season but are no push overs. The Spanish are almost like the Portuguese who play at a high tempo.The importance of a strong showing in the first match can not be over emphasised.
After that we meet Canada who have always been a tricky customer and with Chris Brown managing their strength and conditioning docket expect them to be much trickier. The Canadians are a physical bunch, not afraid to carry the ball into contact and should pose a real threat, but we should have enough to see them off.
The match against the hosts is bound to be special to the technical bench, they will be looking to get one over their former side at home. In Dubai the South Africans were a bit fortunate to beat us 21-12, with a little bit more concentration and luck we should be able to get one over or at least narrow that margin.
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| Horace Otieno vs South Africa in Dubai (Photo – Zimbio.com) |
The biggest thing for the side right now is to keep improving, keep getting better. Last year we bowed out at the Bowl Semi final here, the target this year should be at least a cup place on day 2 then working from there. Another shot at the All blacks maybe? I don’t know, but the rugby gods seem to love watching the two of us play…
Here are the local timings for the matches in Port Elizabeth :
Kenya vs Spain – 14:34 Hrs
Kenya vs Canada – 17:40 Hrs
Kenya vs South Africa – 20:58 Hrs
Finally a Tribute to a man who’s influence cut across all shades of life, including rugby, Nelson Mandela, may he rest in eternal peace.
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| Madiba with the Webb Ellis in 2007. |
With that ladies and gents….
KWISHA….Nimeruka Nje!!!
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