Cheetahs, Lions collide in Super Series final

Cheetahs' Collins Indeche (left) is tackled by Christopher Otieno of Buffaloes at RFUEA Grounds on May 4. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Cheetahs’ head coach Lawrence Buyachi is confident of overcoming Lions in the finals of Rugby Super Series at RFUEA Grounds, Nairobi on Saturday.

Buyachi believes his side has what it takes to complete a double against Lions whom they had beaten 18-16 in a mouthwatering match at Nakuru Athletic Club three weeks ago.

“We are just in the right frame of mind to turn tables on them (Lions) for a second time, this time in their backyard. My charges are ready and good to go and we believe it’s our time to lift the title,” said Buyachi.

As the two teams face each other in the finals, both have a record in the tournament of winning two matches and losing another.

Cheetahs defeated Buffaloes 29-5 in their first match before dismissing Lions 18-16 and thereafter was beaten 26-25 by Rhinos in Kakamega in the round robin-tournament.

On their part, Lions first beat Rhinos 29-5 before losing 18-16 to Cheetahs in Nakuru. They then bounced back to whitewash Buffaloes 20-5 in Kakamega.

Lions coach Oliver Mang’eni says they are more than ready to battle with Cheetahs after correcting their mistakes.

“We have had enough training sessions in readiness for the epic match and we are not ready to lose again against the same side in the same tournament. It’ll not be easy for our opponents to conquer us again,” Mang’eni warned.

When they lost to Cheetahs, they were not at their best going by what they (Lions) have so far achieved in their training sessions, says Mang’eni.

“And as Lions, we’ll play like a wounded lion to ensure we stop our opponents in their match for the title. My boys are ready for this duel,” he said.