Indomitable Shujaa set Commonwealth target

Kenya Sevens head coach Innocent ‘Namcos’ Simiyu says that his target is to win a medal in the upcoming Commonwealth Games due to take place in Gold Coast, Australia in April.

Speaking to Citizen Digital, the former Shujaa player said that the players and the team, in general, have to attain their target — collecting a medal at Gold Coast, and will be working hard to fulfil the dream.

“From a coaching perspective, I have to focus on how the players are improving to attain the targets. Therefore as long as we keep on improving our standards then results will always come.”

Kenya is drawn against the World champions and 2014 silver medalists New Zealand, fellow Africa side Zambia and the now too common opponents in the HSBC World Rugby Series this season, Canada.

So far the team has done well in the Series this season but will be aiming to avoid a dejavu. For instance, in the run-up to the 2014 Olympic Games held in Rio de Janeiro, Shujaa had a good run only to suffer a meltdown at the international arena before the world’s unbelieving eyes.

Aware of this, Simiyu said: “This year will be different because we are taking each game at a time, and we have improved our training standards. The aim is to  perform well and get positive results.”

Key to Shujaa’s improved performance, according to Namcos, is proper management of players.

At the same time, Simiyu has disputed claims that the team for the Commonwealth has already been named.

“The correct communication will come from the Kenya Rugby Union and obviously you know the coach names the team which I haven’t done, so when the right time comes I shall name the squad .”

Shujaa won the just concluded Victoria Falls Sevens in Zimbabwe defeating the host 10-5.

The team is expected back today at 10.10 pm Monday.

Tags:

Shujaa Australia Medal Gold Coast Inocent Simiyu\ set Commonwealth target

Want to send us a story? Submit on Wananchi Reporting on the Citizen Digital App or Send an email to wananchi@royalmedia.co.ke or Send an SMS to 25170 or WhatsApp on 0743570000

Leave a Comment

Comments

No comments yet.

latest stories