The United States International University-Africa will target to reach the semifinals during the second edition of the Federation of Africa University Sports Kings of Africa University Sevens in Kampala, Uganda this weekend.
On Wednesday, USIU-Africa coach Tom Lagat named a traveling party of 13 players for the tournament at the Makerere University’s ‘Graveyard’. The team departed Nairobi for Kampala by road on Wednesday morning.
Lagat said he is targeting the last four since he has a relatively experienced team.
“Most of my players cleared campus and so we are trying to rebuild. Remember we have not trained or played for close to two years due to Covid-19,” said the tactuician. “My target in Kampala is to reach the semis.”
USIU-Africa finished third in the previous edition in 2019, a tournament won by South Africa's University of Johannesburg.
“It has been a tough period for everyone. This tour will bring back hope to hundreds of university students and athletes who depend on sports scholarships,” noted Langat while urging sportsmen and women to get vaccinated against Covic-19.
Universities from South Africa, Botswana, Kenya, Libya and Uganda have confirmed participation in the two-day tournament. Winners will represent Africa at the FISU World Rugby Cup to be held in Kazan, Russia between August 14 and 15 next year.
USIU’s traveling party has Isaiah Kulova, Kadima Elvis (captain), Joe Awori, Godfrey Kiragu, Allan Odiyo, Muinde Makau, Fred Okoth, Muyomba George, Ronald Kipchumba, Paul Mukhisa, David Mango, Eric Obwaga and Neville Odongo.
