Rugby: Oyoo upbeat as Kenya face Uganda in Commonwealth Games opener

Kenya rugby sevens Nelson Oyoo (R) is challenged Tony Onyango during a training session on July 26, 2022 at the Broadstreet Rugby Football Club pitcch in Coventry, United Kingdom ahead of the 2022 Commonwealth Games between Thursday, 28 Jul 2022 – Mon, 8 Aug 2022 in Birmingham, United Kingdom. (Kelly Ayodi, Standard)

Shujaa captain Nelson Oyoo is confident of Kenya doing well as they renew their rivalry with Uganda at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Shujaa who are in group D alongside Jamaica, Australia and Uganda will kick off their pool matches against rivals Cranes from 12.50 pm East African Time at the Coventry Stadium.
Shujaa will be eyeing revenge against Uganda Cranes who dethroned them as the African Seven champions.

The Damian McGrath-coached side will then face Jamaica at 8:58pm before they wind up their pool matches tomorrow with a clash against Australia at 12:50pm.

Speaking on Thursday their regular daily training sessions, Oyoo said they are confident of doing better at the games after working out their past challenges and incorporating new system of play.

The 2016 Singapore Sevens champion said the team is ready to sacrifice all their energy and secure Kenya a medal.
“We are okay so far after our arrival and all I can say is our systems are working good and the boys are spirited and looking forward to the opening match.”
“The pressure has always been within us and getting our systems right is going to release a lot of pressure. We have gone back to our old style of playing where we are using our speed and physicality,” said Oyoo.

Kenya is yet to win a medal in the Commonwealth Games with their best place finish being seventh which was registered in successive editions back in 2010 and 2014.
Oyoo who wrote his name in Kenya Rugby folklore back in 2016 by scoring the match winning try that sealed Shujaa’s first and only victory at the Singapore Sevens said their main objective is to finish in the medal bracket.

“We are going in for the medal. We want to win our two opening games against Uganda and Jamaica since they are going to determine if we are going to be in the medal bracket and if we are going to make it to the quarterfinal.”
“We promise Kenya a medal. That is what we are going for and they should come to support us both here and back home.