Blak Blad coach explains reasons behind impressive performance at Driftwood 7s
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Reading Time: 3min | Tue. 10.09.24. | 15:26
The team finished the tournament at position three, securing 13 points. That performance saw them climb to ninth position on the log with 41 points.
Blak Blad's head coach Benard Rotich has revealed the secrets behind the team’s impressive performance during the 2024 Driftwood 7s played at the Mombasa Sports Club over the weekend.
The team finished the tournament at position three, securing 13 points. That performance saw them climb to ninth position on the log with 41 points.
They started their campaign on a low after losing 19-5 to KCB Rugby before bouncing back to winning ways with a 33-0 victory over Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) Rugby.
The Kenyatta University rugby side ended their pool campaign by seeing off hosts Mombasa RFC 26-10 to proceed to the quarterfinals.
At this stage, the side got one over fellow students Daystar University Falcons 12-5 before narrowly falling 7-0 to Kenya Harlequin in the semifinal.
They pulled off their surprise performance of the tournament by defeating Kabras RFC 22-10 in the third-place playoff.
Coach Rotich credited their impressive performance to the boys’ zeal and resilience as it was the first time in this season's circuit that the students made a quarterfinal appearance.
“We worked on defensive structures and we were fully committed in all we did. We were mentally strong since we have missed quarters thrice by goal difference and so we have always known we can do it,” he told Mozzart Sport.
He went on to explain that the one-week break played a great role in their recovery. After the Kabeberi 7s, the circuit took a break before heading to Driftwood.
“Physically we got the work on breakdowns and also had a proper recovery plan,” he averred.
According to Rotich, their set pieces were also key in their win. He praised his charges for executing them perfectly.
“Our key turning points were excellent kickoff receptions, scrums as a great attacking platform, communication and connectedness on defense and of course. Effort from everyone was also a great factor,” he said.
Only one leg is remaining to the end of this year’s circuit, and Rotich expressed confidence that they picked crucial lessons heading to Prinsloo 7s. They will be keen to keep the fine form going.
One of his charges’ Victor Wakhungila was named in the Driftwood 7s top points scorer’s list and Rotich was optimistic that more will join in.
“We learn a lesson to use the chances we get well. It was a whole team effort with everyone wanting it but Derrick Masese for me was on form together with Ian Odhiambo,” he offered.
With the triumph now behind them, the tactician noted that they would go back to the drawing board and right their wrongs in readiness for Prinsloo 7s. The tournament will take place from Saturday 14 to Sunday 15 at the Nakuru Athletic Club.
“We live in the moment and so we feel happy for doing it for the first time. We are now keen to recover, reset and go again for Nakuru,” he concluded.
