[(IRB.COM) Tuesday 25 March 2008] ¡G
Kenya's Sevens side have set themselves three bold targets ahead of the Cathay Pacific Credit Suisse Hong Kong Sevens this weekend.
The first is not to lose a single match against any team which is not a core Sevens Series side for the rest of the season. The second is to gain at least one victory against half of the top Sevens sides in the world in the second half of the season, and the third is to proceed unbeaten from their pool this weekend, where they face Scotland, Portugal and China.
So far Benjamin Ayimba's side is on for a best ever return this season. They currently lie in sixth place in the series standings, above England, Scotland, Australia and Wales, and have reached three Cup quarter finals and one semi final in San Diego.
At least two of their targets, however, could come under severe pressure in Hong Kong. China are not expected to provide too stern a test in their pool but the Kenyans do face them early in the tricky one-off fixture on day one. Portugal's abrasive style is far more likely to unsettle them on day two, while Scotland have also been consistent this season in reaching every Cup quarter final.
"In Hong Kong the big challenge is to win the first match against China. It does not matter who you meet at this level and a good start will set the mood for the next three days,¡¨ said former captain, Team Manager Oscar Osir.
Kenya's improving form has coincided with the union's creation of a semi-professional Sevens set-up, funded by the sponsorship of Virgin Atlantic.
"We have been polishing up and planning on game execution," said squad regular Innocent Simiyu. "This is a bunch of good and experienced players who are committed to the cause."
Besides exciting young debutant George Mbaye, Ayimba's squad looks experienced and is boosted by the inclusion of playmaker and goal-kicker Lavin Asego, who returns from injury. Utility back Brian Nyikuli also comes into the side to replace Edwin Shimenga, who is travelling to Canada this week for club trials.
"Lavin will inject some freshness in the team and we have a good chance of picking up more points because the players are quite experienced," said team captain Humphrey Kayange.
"There is no doubt we will aim to finish top of the pool after two days which means beating China, Portugal and Scotland," he said.
New Zealand currently lie top of the standings with a maximum 80 points from 80 after the first four events in Dubai, South Africa, New Zealand and USA.
-END-
|
