Kisumu RFC list areas of improvement ahead of Dala 7s

Rugby fans who have closely followed the opening two legs of the National Sevens Circuit will have undoubtedly noticed Kisumu RFC's struggle with endurance.

Despite flashes of competitive play, the team has consistently faded in the later stages of matches, missing opportunities in the process.

Mozzart Sport caught up with the team’s coach Oscar Okaron who noted that they are burning the midnight oil to turn the tides.

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They failed to sparkle in the past two legs of the circuit and will be looking to bag maximum points in their home tournament. They currently sit 16th on the log with only two points.

“The team has really pushed on the areas that did not go well in the past two tournaments. The team has been leading at half-time in most of the games but losing in the second half.

We've really worked on our endurance and defense that is going to pay off in Dala 7s. Most of the teams in Division 1 have done a good pre-season that is really working for them,” the tactician offered.

The team is still recovering from the loss of some of their key players. They lost the likes of Alvin Kalori, Maurice Osano, and David Williams to Kenya Harlequin and Anthony Omondi and Victor Were to the Oilers.

They however roped in young talents and will be looking to quench their quarterfinals thirst.

“The team is already rebuilding after losing most of the senior players but we are certain about getting to the playoffs. Being a home tournament, Dala 7s has been more of a culture over the years since 2003. It's so special to us playing at our home ground, that will boost the players' morale and energy to go past their targets.

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The local crowd will influence the results of the games a lot as most of the fans are family, friends, and sponsors. This will bring out the passion in the players,” Okaron stated.

The former Administration Warriors (AP) coach was further glad that the new faces in the team were at par with the conditioned members. They will be hoping to electrify the remaining legs of the circuit.

“Felix Otieno, Walter Ambe, and Nambili Job have shown a lot of improvement in the past two tournaments. We are also keeping an eye on Beverly Ochieng, whose graph is really going up.

There are new players who are coming in to strengthen the squad. Forward Morgan Peter, Obiny Francis, and winger Ochar John. They have already adapted to our playing style. The break helped us regroup and work on our plays and structures,” he disclosed.

The Lakeside men have been placed in Pool C, together with Ingo 7s hosts and third-placed Kabras RFC, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) Rugby, and fast-rising Kabete Stallions.