.jpg)
Khisia oozing confidence ahead of Kenya 7s final Challenger Series
.png)
.jpg)
.jpg)
Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 16.05.24. | 11:34
Shujaa will be hoping to make the top four and secure their spot in the final playoff-cum-World Sevens promotion in Madrid in June
Kenya 7s assistant coach Louis Khisia has assured that his protégé is ready for the final leg of the Challenger Series slated for May 18–19 in Dantestadion, Munich, Germany.
Shujaa will be hoping to make the top four and secure their spot in the final playoff-cum-World Sevens promotion in Madrid in June.
They currently sit second on the table and have been placed in Pool C together with Chile, Portugal, and Japan.
Speaking ahead of their departure, the former Strathmore Leos coach was confident that they were well-prepared for the upcoming challenge.
They will be looking to amend their third-place finish in Montevideo and emerge as the winners.
“Heading into Munich, we all know what job we need to do; we will take it a game at a time, ensuring we give a good account of ourselves. Once we do that and ensure we finish in the top four, then we can focus on what Madrid brings,” he offered.
The tactician further gave a sneak peek into the boys’ mood ahead of the challenge, noting that it was ‘upbeat’.
“But from my view and the technical side, the mood in the camp is upbeat, the boys are ready, there are no injuries to worry about, and everybody is ready to rumble,” he added.
Khisia was also pleased with the return of speedster Patrick Odongo to the team. Odongo, who missed Montevideo due to an injury, has overcome the nagging injury to rightfully claim his spot in the squad.
He will partner with the lethal Lameck Ambetsa of Kabras RFC on the other wing.
“In regards to having Odongo back, there is no substitute for speed, we saw what he did in Dubai, he’s a quality player, a key member of the team and definitely the team missed him in Uruguay due to the small injury he had but now he is as fit as a fiddle and ready to rumble,” Khisia offered.
He continued: “He has earned his spot; it wasn’t just a walk in the park and just being given the spot; there was competition from the likes of Brian Mutugi, Festus Shiashi, and Lameck Ambetsa, who will partner with Odongo this time around on the wing. He’s earned his stride and that’s the reason he made the squad.”
Shujaa will start their campaign with a match against Japan on Saturday at 12:22 pm before locking horns with Portugal at 3:04 pm. They will end the competition with a match against Chile at 5:46 pm.
Shujaa schedule (Saturday, May 18, 2024)
Kenya vs Japan, 12:22 pm
Kenya vs Portugal, 3:04 pm
Kenya vs Chile, 5:46 pm
