Mang’eni creating pathway for Lions to Kenya Simbas

Former Kenya Simbas lineouts master Oliver Mang’eni is aiming to channel a pool of talented and experienced players from the KCB Bank Lions to the Kenya 15s national team; Simbas.

For Mang’eni, coaching the Lions goes beyond personal achievements.

He hopes to build a formidable squad that will represent the Simbas in upcoming tournaments like the Currie Cup, Victoria, and Elgon Cups.

He is confident that his years of experience with the Simbas come in handy in his coaching career.

He has had a successful career as a rugby player; winning almost all titles a rugby player in the country could only dream of.

His glittering career also saw him travel all over the continent conquering African teams with the Kenya Simbas.

“Our goal is to have players play their best rugby so that they get a call up to the national team,” he averred.

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He led the Lions to win the first round of the Rugby Super Series after defeating Faiba Mobile Lions 29-7.

They would however fail to sparkle in the second round after suffering a narrow 18-16 loss at the hands of Menengai Cream Cheetahs.

“What contributed to our loss was complacency and lack of drive and sharpness. We took too long to settle in the match and made so many errors that we must fix if we have to proceed,” the tactician observed.

With the loss now behind them, Mang’eni noted that they would go back to the drawing board, and right their wrongs ahead of the third round.

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“We will work on our defense; on one tackle line speed and improve our strike rate,” he told Mozzart Sport.

The Lions currently sit second on the log with six points; two points shy of the Cheetahs who top the table.

Mang’eni has a wide pool of talent and he will be looking to select the best players for round three challenge.

This time, they will have to bring their A-game on board as they face Kabras Sugar Buffaloes who will be enjoying home advantage.

“A few of my players have really put up their hands for selection, I have some warriors on the park. Changes will be informed by how players train this week but definitely there will be a few positional changes,” he offered.

The Lions lost the finals in 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007 before picking up their only Super Series title in 2008.

Mang’eni will be hoping to lead them to a second RSS win.