Former Kenya Simbas captain joins Pirates technical bench

Kwale-based South Coast Pirates have made a significant addition to their coaching staff, signing former Kenya Simbas international, Brian Nyikuli, as their forwards coach.

Prior to his new role, Nyikuli also served as Kenya U20 forwards coach, and is a seasoned rugby professional with a wealth of experience.

The ex-Kenya Simbas captain and backrower has had an illustrious career as a dynamic and versatile forward, having turned up for various top tier teams including Kenya Cup defending champions Kabras RFC, Impala RFC, Strathmore Leos, Kenya Harlequins, and 2023 National 7s Circuit winners KCB Rugby, where he played from 2017 until his retirement in December 2021.

With his wealth of experience and expertise, the former forward is poised to bring a new level of dynamism to the team whose pursuit for the Kenya Cup is now more strengthened than ever.

Expressing pleasure for his new job, Nyikuli pledged to use his extensive experience to help develop the forwards and elevate their performance.

"It is an honor to work with a bunch of talented players and a dynamic technical bench that is full of energy. I look forward to using my experience and prowess to develop the forwards to be an enigma and a site to watch as we campaign to qualify for the Kenya Cup," he told the club portal.

The club was also pleased to welcome the services of their new forwards coach, noting that he would take them to the desired levels.

"We believe Nyikuli's expertise will elevate our forwards' performance and take us to new heights. Welcome back to the Pirates family, Brian!" posted the club.

At the same time, the club has snapped up Kelly Akengo from Kabete stallions RFC.

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Akengo is an experienced flyhalf who had stints with Western sides Kabras RFC and Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) rugby.

He is set to bring a wealth of experience to the team in their quest to Kenya cup promotion.

"I am happy to join pirates and can't wait to get my debut. My target is to help the club get promotion, fans should expect this from us this season," Akengo offered.

Pirates have also brought in the services of Brighton 'Zangi' Omondi from Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) Marines and Micky Odhiambo from now Kenya Cup side Kisumu RFC.

Suleiman Mohammed has been tasked with video analysis while immensely talented writer Brian Mwenje will be in charge of the club's media.

Former player John Carlos Obukui has been mandated with strength and conditioning roles, with Robert Magande taking charge of the team manager's duties.

South Coast Pirates RFC coach Kevin Amiani insisted that this was a 'do or die' season for his charges.

While they have twice come close but fell short of their goal, coach Amiani and his team believe that this is their year, and they will make their dream a reality. They came close to securing their promotion but were edged out by Mean Machine and Nondies respectively.

"It has been a tough journey for the past two seasons, reaching the semis and failing to secure a promotion slot is such a painful experience, but you know what? It is not over yet," the soft-spoken Amiani told Mozzart Sport.

"We've gone back to the drawing board, reviewed the past seasons and got what went wrong. Currently we are in pre-season camp, and everyone is responding well on matters of fitness and skills," the youthful tactician concluded.