Snook eyeing brilliant start with Simbas in Elgon Cup

Snook eyeing brilliant start with Simbas in Elgon Cup

The national 15s rugby team Simbas technical bench is confident of a fine start in the forth coming Elgon Cup, after concluding their three-day intensive training Camp in Nanyuki on Monday.

Scrutiny will be on their performance after the hiring of experienced New Zealander Ian Snook to head the technical bench in March.

In an Interview with the Citizen Digital, assistant coach Dominique Habimana elucidated on the key areas they focused on in Nanyuki.

“The whole point of this camp was to mainly blend the team together ahead of the tough assignments we have, work on their (players) mental strength and the team leadership unit,” Habimana noted.

Habimana noted how the technical bench led by Snook, were impressed with the level of dedication the players exhibited.

“You can test the spirit in the camp and predict a good outing. I’m confident with the kind of training we can scoop that top African spot,” Habimana added.

Assistant coach Murray Roulston echoed Habimana sentiments, hinting the team has been working on new style.

“I wouldn’t be here if I dint believe in this team. It’s still early to predict the outcome but I’m optimistic with the system we are trying to introduce, they will shine,” Roulston said.

The 35-man squad will travel back to Nairobi before jetting out for Kampala for the first leg of the Elgon Cup, Snook making his international debut as Simbas coach and his Saturday before the return leg in Nairobi on July 7.

Simbas are the Elgon Cup defending champions having won the 2017 edition with a 56-51 scoreline in a mouth watering fixture.

A 23-18 win in the first leg in Kampala proved crucial as a defiant Uganda side forced a 33-33 draw at the RFUEA grounds.

This first game of the season will offer a perfect platform for the Snook led side to test their fitness levels as they warm up for the 2018 Africa Gold Cup, set to double as a qualifying game for  the 2019 Rugby World Cup slated for Japan.

Kenya’s first Africa Gold Cup qualifying fixture will be an away tie against Morocco on June 23.

Tags:

kenya Rugby Simbas Elgon Cup Ian Snook team 15s Nayuki

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