Its the one name that can’t go unmentioned during a rugby 7s weekend, Mike Friday, former Kenya Sevens, now USA 7s head coach.
Nicknamed “Otoyo” or “Geezer” his affection for the Kenya 7s team is eminent in his vocal comments when the team plays. I caught up with the man Mike Friday, a few weeks ago.
I will always have a strong affection for the country and the 40M+ so I am sure at some point “Otoyo” will be seen in Kenya..
- During your time as coach, the Kenya 7s matched their most successful sevens season. What did you do to achieve the success?
We didn’t do anything special really.
We created an environment that had strong values and honesty with consistency in application to all, be it the most senior player or most junior.
The coaching team lived by those values, whilst we demanded high standards of the players we also delivered that to them as a coaching team and what they expected of us. We ensured they had our support and protection on and off the pitch and were very clear on what was acceptable and what was not.
We didn’t not let others interfere or affect the players environment and that was protected at all costs by anyone in the squad or outside. So basically we were a family or the Shujaa Pride, where the strength was in the collective behavior rather than reliant on any one individual
In terms of rugby we educated the players on nutrition and how to be a professional rugby player physically. We coached them correct techniques on the basic core skills required to play rugby . We also educated them on the tactical aspects of the game, game understanding and supported them so they could maximize their confidence.
We then played with a simple framework and to the strengths of the team and the individuals we had playing at that time, making sure we enjoyed the challenges and responsibility of wearing the Shujaa on our chests, representing the 40M+ as they wanted to be represented.
- It is a well-known fact that you still have a good rapport with the Kenya 7s players, how did this impact your coaching back then?
That is very true, I still chat and speak with a lot of the boys and I am true to my word when I left that I would always be there to support and advise them, if they ever need that.
We were a very close rugby family and a large part or our environment was about looking after one another and being honest with one another, whether there was good or bad news. Consistency in how we dealt with one another and the fact that we all spoke on the same level as men, not coach and player made us stronger as a group.
With that relationship in place the boys worked tirelessly on the pitch in training, trying to get better we in return worked hard to ensure that we made them the best they could be and also provide them with the consistency and support and protection so they could get on with their part of the bargain.
- In the few years that you worked in Kenya what observations did you make about the state of rugby?
Firstly, with the resource available what has been achieved is remarkable and shows real creativity and entrepreneurial efforts to allow the country to compete on the world stage in 7’s. But to develop the game in XV’s and 7’s then the game off the pitch in Kenya has to evolve once again.
There is huge potential and talent in the country and a passionate rugby community and whilst the Kenya 7’s is the front of house for the sport at present, appropriate financial support for the domestic clubs and schools remains a struggle.
The strengthening of relationship of all stakeholders towards a common goal is crucial to allow the evolution to continue.
Clear pathways through schools into academies/Universities and clubs would be hugely beneficial as well as coach education courses, so that the local coaches receive assistance, so they are able to deliver up to date and correct technical coaching as well as game play understanding.
As you can see this is a huge project and the key to unlocking the potential of Kenya as a rugby playing nation. I firmly believe an external technical director is needed to assist KRU.
- You are very vocal about Kenya 7s and still follow their progress even as you coach another team. What gives? What observations have you made in their game after you left?
I always watch and support the boys and want them to do well, except when they are playing against me.I also remind them they don’t have to save their best games and effort for when they meet me.
Once you are part of the Kenya 7’s family, whilst you may leave, you never forget and always will watch over from a far and that is how I see myself as a member of the 40M+.
I think when they boys are happy with the environment and feel that people have their best interests at heart and will support, protect and represent them what ever the situation, they perform.
The boys are strong characters and assets to the country and if they are treated accordingly, then their potential is realized and they become a formidable Pride of Lions.”Totty” understands this and if he is given that support and rises to the challenge, then the Shujaa can move forward now after losing their way for a while.
- Last but not least, if an opportunity presents itself….. will you come back?
Its “Totty’s” time to steer the ship. We had a great working relationship and friendship when we worked together. We helped each other get better and improve, I am fully supportive of him leading the charge for Kenya to get to the 2016 Olympics.
I will always have a strong affection for the country and the 40M+ so I am sure at some point “Otoyo” will be seen in Kenya even if it is just visiting!