T. NashipaeChikamai impressed with Eastern Cheetahs' performance in Safari 7s
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Reading Time: 2min | Sun. 19.11.23. | 16:18
This was also their maiden appearance in the Safari 7s age-grade category.
Eastern Cheetahs head coach Dennis Chikamai has expressed pleasure after his charges emerged victorious in the Safari 7s Under 18 category played at the RFUEA Grounds on Friday.
The last time the team was in action was during the Federation of East African Secondary Schools Sports Association (FEASSSA) rugby 7s games held in Huye, Rwanda in August where they finished fourth.
This was also their maiden appearance in the Safari 7s age-grade category.
Speaking to Mozzart Sport, Chikamai lauded the boys' zeal and fighting spirit despite the rainy weather. The match was characterized by heavy rains and mud.
"We are happy to win in our maiden appearance. The game wasn't that easy because of the bad weather conditions but we pushed it to our best and carried the day," he offered.
The boys checked into the RFUEA Grounds with a bang, seeing off Tanzania 12-5 before overpowering Shamas Rugby Foundation 5-0 in the closely contested match.
They would then defeat Mpesa Foundation 10-0 to proceed to the semifinal.
At the semifinal stage, they defeated Grassroots 10-5, before ending the business with a similar score over Turi at the final stage.
Chikamai pointed out that teamwork and dedication to training won them the title.
"The boys have been coming for training despite the logistics and rainy conditions but our plan was to maintain our fitness level, it was like a wrap tournament for the year since they've had a good run out this year and we thank God for that," he told Mozzart Sport.
Going forward, the gaffer noted that his charges would come back stronger in 2024, keen to win every title that is there to be won.
"Our aim is to maintain our status and keep working for the best come next year because it won't really be that easy, so we're still pushing up boys to our level best to see them make it again," he disclosed.
The games were arranged in a round-robin format where the team with leading points emerged as the champion in the respective categories.
Eastern Cheetahs run
Eastern Cheetahs 12-5 Tanzania
Eastern Cheetahs 5-0 Shamas Rugby
Eastern Cheetahs 10-0 Mpesa Foundation
Semis
Eastern Cheetahs 10-5 Grassroots
Final
Eastern Cheetahs 10-5 Turi
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