Game management and defence will be vital for the Kenya Lionesses in the final leg of the Challenger Seven Series leg in Krakow, Poland next month.
Dennis Mwanja's charges face Belgium, Mexico and hosts Poland in Pool 'C' and will aim to win the tournament or get to the final following a disastrous performance in Montevideo, Uruguay, in March.
They garnered a paltry six points to drop from second overall to fifth on the log with 24 points.
The top four teams at the end of the leg in Poland will advance to the promotion-cum relegation playoffs in early June in Madrid, Spain.
Mwanja wants a reaction.
“We did not play according to our strengths in Uruguay. We have looked at our game management, ballhandling and defence and I am confident the girls will be better this time,” added Mwanja.
China battle Thailand, Hong Kong China and the Czech Republic in Pool 'A' while Argentina, Uganda, Paraguay and Papa New Guinea face-off in Pool 'B'.
Meanwhile, the Lionesses players have not received their salaries from Kenya Rugby Union for the last six months, something not lost on Mwanja.
“We have had conversations with the chairman on the matter. They have told us they are looking for the money," said Mwanja.
"It's not easy coaching players who have money issues and have not paid their bills. But we soldier on as we wait for the union to expedite the case quickly to allow the players to focus on rugby."
Mwanja, the KCB assistant coach, also has one eye on the Paris Olympic Games qualification repechage in Monaco between June 21 and 23 where only one team will qualify for the July – August Games.
Mwanja observed: "The next two months are vital as we target World Seven Series and Olympic qualification. The players have to put their best foot forward and ensure we achieve these targets,” added Mwanja.
The Lionesses 15s side have also begun preparations for the Africa Cup set for next month in Madagascar. They are training under Paul Murunga.
