Nakuru RFC Javan Otieno prepares to pass the ball under pressure from KCB's Elphas Odunga in a recent match/HANDOUT Nakuru RFC coach Oscar Ouma has prioritised defence ahead of the Christie Sevens slated for this weekend at the RFUEA ground.
Ouma believes a solid effort off the ball will give them a chance to go on a deep run at the third leg of the series.
“From the first two tournaments, our defence is an area of concern, but I am confident that with the one-week break we have had, we have rectified the weak areas and are ready for battle ahead,” added Ouma.
Ouma added, “We have got a good crop of players—young, hungry and determined, ready to learn and be able to adjust and adapt to any match this weekend."
Ouma's side lies third on the series log with 28 points, 13 points behind high-flying Strathmore Leos and KCB with four tournaments left.
The Rift Valley-based side finished fifth in their home tournament, beating Quins 24-19 a fortnight ago, while at the Driftwoods Sevens tournament last month, they finished fourth after losing the bronze medal match to Kabras 21-10.
Ouma's charges face a resurgent Catholic Monks, Impala and Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) in Pool C, and the tactician has described it as a tough pool.
” It's a tall order. I believe it's the toughest pool of the tournament, so we will take one game at a time and look forward to playing in the last eight,” he observed.
Ouma joins a group of first-time coaches who are handling teams in the Sevens circuit. They include the likes of former Kenya Sevens player Lavin Asego (Mwamba) and Patrice Agunda (Quins), among others.
Ouma said he is loving the experience before he comes back to playing for the 15's team when the Kenya Cup kicks off in November.
“It's a different experience having been a player at the highest level. It's an honour I want to mentor the young generation to be great players in the future,” he added.
Ouma will rely on the likes of skipper Felix Okoth, Javan Otieno, Cyprian Ombaso, and Joel Okeyo, among others, for this weekend's tournament.
