Namcos Simiyu talks-up Shujaas chances ahead of Rugby World Cup

Kenya Rugby SevenS head coach Innocent ‘Namcos’ Simiyu believes his team is fired-up for the Rugby World Cup Sevens as they prepare to take on Tonga from 11.01pm  on Friday at the AT&T Park in San Francisco, USA.

Shujaa will play against Tonga in the round of 16, with the winner facing Scotland in the quarters and Simiyu believes that the result is not the determining factor but the performance on the pitch.

Simiyu made his debut as a player in Rugby World Cup in 2005 alongside former head coach Benjamin Ayimba and was also a member of the team that finished fourth in 2009.

His impressive stint as a player saw him graduate to the dug-out, and now as  coach, he’s helped Shujaa make history in the HSBC World Rugby where they attained 104 points, reaching the Main Cup finals twice; in the Vancouver and Hong Kong rounds losing both to Fiji.

Simiyu also believes he has a  strong squad at his disposal, capable of challenging for honours, adding that his charges have trained hard and will be looking for good performances from his players.

“It’s never hard to motivate the players but it just comes from  the system. So long as you are performing no matter what level you are in and you are satisfied with the performance you are always good to go,”he charged.

The squad features Collins Injera who will making his own history; playing for a record third time after featuring in 2009 and 2013 alongside editions. Andrew Amonde, Willy Ambaka and Eden Agero —  all played in the 2013 edition.

Simiyu mentioned Agero as one for the future, hailing his abundant talent .

“Players like Eden bring up the type of play that we want to see; they’re player-makers who control the game creating space for the big boys.”

Full Squad

Oscar Ayodi (Captain), Menengai Cream Homeboyz), Collins Injera (Mwamba), Andrew Amonde (KCB), William Ambaka (Kenya Harlequin), Samuel Oliech (Resolution Impala Saracens), Nelson Oyoo (Top Fry Nakuru), Dennis Ombachi (Nondescripts), Jeff Oluoch (Menengai Cream Homeboyz), Brian Tanga (Kabras Sugar), Eden Agero (Kenya Harlequin), Herman Humwa (Kenya Harlequin), Samuel Ng’ethe (Menengai Oilers) Management: Innocent Simiyu (Head Coach), Geoffrey Kimani (Conditioning Coach), Lamech Bogonko (Physio), Erick Ogweno (Team Manager)

Tags:

Shujaa Kenya Rugby Sevens Rugby World Cup Sevens Inoccent Simiyu

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