Saracens coach Ndong backs charges to nail play-offs slot

Impala Saracens head coach Frank Ndong says he won’t rely on Mwamba RFC, Top Fry Nakuru and Nondescripts performances ahead of the Kenya Cup play offs slot battle when his charges face current leaders Kabras Sugar at the RFUEA ground this weekend.

Impala are fourth in the 12-team log with 45 points, a point ahead of Mwamba RFC and three points ahead of Top Fry Nakuru and Nondescripts as the battle for top six intensifies in the last fixture of the season, and Ndong maintains his boys have to do their part other than relying on other teams.

“First we have to help ourselves because right now we cannot really rely on other teams to help our fate.”

According to Ndong, there is only one slot remaining in the top six since the four teams fighting for the play offs slot are currently on form.

“At this stage Nondies could defeat Kenya Harlequins; Top Fry Nakuru has certainly qualified playing against relegated Mean Machine so there is only probably one slot since Mwamba RFC is not enjoying good form so basically we have to sort ourselves out.”

Although Kabras are in top form, Ndong believes his charges can contain their forwards and take their chances for a win.

“First of all we have to contain the rampaging Kabras forwards, they are very balanced in terms of their runners and forward play so we must stay strong since they are very strong in the first quarter and that’s where they defeated us the last time we met,” he said.

According to Ndong, his boys must defend well and attack a lot to get the maximum points from Henley Du Plessis charges to earn a slot in the play offs.

Impala finished fourth last season, reaching the semi finals of the play offs where they lost to eventual winners KCB.

If they qualify for the play offs they will be fighting for their 12th Kenya Cup title which they last won 10 years ago.