Zetech Oaks plotting KRU Championship return
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Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 30.04.24. | 08:02
Their fighting spirit was evident when they defeated former Kenya Cup side Kisii RFC 19-14
Zetech University's rugby team, the Oaks, have strengthened their pursuit for a spot in the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) Championship league.
The Oaks were relegated from the Championship League during the 2022–23 season and are fighting for an immediate return.
Their fighting spirit was evident when they defeated former Kenya Cup side Kisii RFC 19-14 in the closely contested nationwide quarterfinal match played on Saturday at the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) Grounds.
The Oaks came from behind to lead 11-6 at halftime following a try and two converted penalties that cancelled Kisii’s penalty and drop goal.
In an exclusive interview with Mozzart Sport, Oaks’ coach, Ramsfield Mateka, also known as Remmy, commended his protégés' fighting spirit, noting that it won them the match. Mateka, who is a development coach, was glad that his team was inching closer to a Championship return.
After their relegation, the Oaks chose to confront reality head-on rather than succumb to despair, enabling them to plot the way forward.
“First, the team accepted the position we were in. We recollected our minds and brought them together to create a family full of bonding,” the coach said.
To achieve their goals and balance academics, the team added an extra day of training, which has been instrumental in sharpening their skills further.
“We brought in a new structure, which the boys have been struggling with, and as of now, they are getting it right,” Remmy disclosed.
What further propelled them to this stage was the impact of the young players. Remmy was grateful to the university for offering scholarships to the players and feeding the rugby team with young, determined blood.
“I am happy to have rookies who have bonded to the extent that they can start a game. The school has played a crucial role by offering scholarships, which is a boost to bring more players that will take us through the session,” he averred.
With their goal now within reach, the coach noted that they will play each game with the required intensity.
“We continue sharpening our work and pressing on achieving our mission. As we say, it's a game at a time. We have learned to never underestimate any team. We will play every game as if it's a final,” he concluded.
Zetech Oaks will lock horns with Eldoret-based Project 61 in the do-or-die semifinal match slated for Saturday, May 4th.
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