KCB switch focus to Kenya Cup

KCB's Austine Sikutwa (left) tackles Hassan Wambani of Catholic Monks during Kabeberi 7s tournament at RFUEA Ground. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

After finishing third in the National Sevens Circuit, KCB are strategising on ways to win the Kenya Cup League next season.

The team was not contended with their achievements in the shorter version of rugby and are therefore determined to have their presence felt in the longer version of rugby.

Head coach Oliver Mang’eni said winning does not come miraculously but it must be effectively planned.

“That’s what we have started to do and has to be achieved. We have good players who must be assisted to achieve our ambition,” said Mang’eni.

“We have talented players who need to be nurtured. Soon, we’ll have our academy where we’ll scout, train and nurture them from the school level onwards.”

The bankers are preparing to play two friendly matches against Kenyatta University’s Blak Blad and Mombasa Pirates on a yet to be confirmed date.

“As the Safari Sevens tournament goes on, we’ll be playing these friendlies to prepare us for the next 15s rugby season,” he said.

Currently, KCB has two sides – the senior side and the junior side that takes part in the Erick Shirley Shield as a policy of Kenya Rugby Union.

Mang’eni said their performance in the National Sevens Circuit is now behind them.

“How we performed at the National Sevens Circuit is now behind us and it should not be an impediment in our next assignments, which is the rugby 15s,” he said.