Strathmore Leos coach Willis Ojal believes his charges will have to improve on their defence as the race for the National Seven Series hots up.
Leos won the Embu Sevens after beating KCB 31-21in a riveting final. The varsity side trails KCB by two points (82-80) with two legs—Kabeberi Sevens ( September 6-7) and Dala Sevens a week later, remaining. However, the tactician is wary of the defensive lapses the team displayed in Embu.
"In the Embu final, we led 24-0, then allowed KCB to come back into the game. In training this week, we are looking at improving our defensive structure to ensure we don't concede so many points to ensure control the game until the end,” added Ojal.
Ojal observed that mental fortitude will be vital in the two-horse race series.
“ Right now it's a mental game. We know KCB are doing their due diligence on what needs to be done. We are also doing the same and strengthening belief in the boys to ensure we are in the right frame of mind for the final two tournaments,” observed Ojal.
In the three meetings in the Sevens Series, the Leos hold the head-to-head advantage over KCB (2-1) after beating them 24-7 during the Prinsloo Sevens final. They, however, lost to the bankers at the Driftwood final 15-14 in Mombasa.
The varsity outfit will face Quins, Mwamba, and Impala RFC in Pool B of the Kabeberi Sevens.
Coach Ojal admitted it will be a competitive pool. “Every team is fighting for survival in the series, and we will not underestimate anyone. We will take one match at a time,” he added.
KCB headline Pool A, where they face Nakuru RFC, Mean Machine and Mombasa Sports Club. Masinde Muliro, who were the surprise package in Embu, reaching the semifinals, face varsity derbys against Catholic Monks, Daystar Falcons, and Division Two winners Homeboyz RFC.
Menengai Oilers have a date against Kabras, Embu RFC and Kisumu RFC in Pool D.
The top two teams in each pool qualify for the quarterfinals, while the teams that finish third and fourth get relegated to the classification matches.
