Kenya Sevens coach True wants memorable send off

National Rugby Sevens head coach Paul Treu follows his charges as they play during the 2014 Safaricom Safari Sevens tournament at Kasarani on September 27, 2014. The outgoing Kenya Sevens coach Treu has called on his charges to give him a memorable send off as they take on Wales at 12.04pm at the Nelson Mandela Bay Sevens, Port Elizabeth, South Africa. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU |

By  AYUMBA AYODI

What you need to know:

  • Treu, the former South Africa Sevens coach, said Port Elizabeth will be his last outing with Kenya Sevens, having been at the helm for just one year and ending his project of taking the team to the 2016 Rio Olympics.
  • Despite a proud history on the series, the Kenyan team has failed to perform this season, dropping to Shield at both Gold Coast and Dubai where they lost in the final. Kenya’s only wins have come in the Shield semi-final matches in both Australia and Dubai.
  • The men from Wales grabbed two wins in a weak pool in Australia, only to be blanked on Day Two by wide margins.

Outgoing Kenya Sevens coach Paul Treu has called on his charges to give him a memorable send-off as they take on Wales at 12.04pm at the Nelson Mandela Bay Sevens, Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

The team will then play host South Africa, who are fresh from winning Dubai Sevens at 2.58pm before taking on United States of America at 6.36pm in their last Pool A duel.

Treu, the former South Africa Sevens coach, said Port Elizabeth will be his last outing with Kenya Sevens, having been at the helm for just one year and ending his project of taking the team to the 2016 Rio Olympics.

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“I have spent some good times with the players and I believe they will make Port Elizabeth event memorable for me,” said Treu. “I want to move to Cape Town to be with my family and I don’t think I will engage in sevens rugby again.”

Jacob Ojee from Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) and Impala’s Samson Onsomu will be making their second appearance for Kenya Sevens while Oliver Mangeni (KCB), Bush Mwale (Homeboyz), Michael Wanjala (Homeboyz) and Alex Olaba (Strathmore) are on their third tour.

POOR PERFORMANCE
Despite a proud history on the series, the Kenyan team has failed to perform this season, dropping to Shield at both Gold Coast and Dubai where they lost in the final. Kenya’s only wins have come in the Shield semi-final matches in both Australia and Dubai.

While the South Africans should come out on top of the pool on home soil based on their good run in Gold Coast and Dubai, the second spot is up for grabs.

The only team in Pool A to have played the Kenyans this season is Mike Friday’s USA. The Eagles met Kenya in Pool play in Dubai and carried the day 26-17.

The win snapped a five-match US losing streak to the Kenyans. The margin belied the American domination due to two very late tries by Kenya. The USA will look to build on the Dubai win over Kenya.

CONTESTING WITH WALES
If the Americans are able to beat the Kenyans, the decider in determining who will advance to the Cup round could come down to the contest with Wales. Wales hold a two game winning streak over the USA dating back to 2013.

The result of the match will likely turn on the health of the USA roster.

Through two tournaments, the USA has been consigned to the bowl round on Day 2. The Welsh, however, have advanced to the Cup round each time.

Although it might seem that the Welsh have dominated in comparison to the Americans, in reality, Wales has only won three matches across two tournaments.

The men from Wales grabbed two wins in a weak pool in Australia, only to be blanked on Day Two by wide margins.

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