Strathmore Leos skipper Gabriel Ayimba challenges KCB's Elvis Olukusi during the Driftwood Sevens/HANDOUTStrathmore Leos will be without the injured trio of captain Gabriel Ayimba, Shem Okola and Nygel Amaitsa at this weekend’s season-ending Dala Sevens in Kisumu.
Speaking on Wednesday, coach Willis Ojal said the trio suffered concussions on Day One of last weekend’s Kabeberi Sevens at the RFUEA ground.
According to World Rugby concussion protocols, the players cannot resume training until after a fortnight, at the earliest.
The three have been instrumental to Leos’ stunning season in the series, and their absence leaves the students with a mountain to climb in the Lakeside city.
Ojal said they will have to dig deep for the final leg as they look to win the tournament and hope results go their way, especially against leaders KCB, to help them with the overall title.
KCB lead the standings with 104 points, with Leos nine adrift in second. Oilers (77) and Kabras (64) complete the top four.
“We have to look at other players coming in and playing key roles as we aim at winning the tournament and the overall crown,” said Ojal.
The tactician lamented poor decision-making and unforced errors during their 12-10 loss to Daystar in the cup semifinal at the Kabeberi Sevens.
“We just did not get into our rhythm. We deviated from our playing style in the match against Daystar, conceded penalties and had handling errors, giving the possession back to the opponent,” added Ojal.
The varsity outfit has given KCB a run for their money this year, beating the bankers twice — at the Prinsloo (24-7) and Embu (31-21) finals. They, however, fell short in the semifinals of the Christie Sevens, going down 24-19 to Menengai Oilers and 12-10 to Daystar at the Kabeberi semis.
The Madaraka-based side face a tough Pool ‘D’ against Menengai Oilers, Impala and hosts Kisumu.
“It’s a tough one to call. Oilers and ourselves have had a great battle this year. It will be close, again. Impala are a tough nut to crack, while Kisumu — playing at home — will want to prove a point,” said Ojal.
Defending Dala Sevens champions Kabras have a date with CUEA Monks, MMUST, and Nakuru RFC in Pool 'A'.
Pool 'B' is led by Daystar Falcons, joined by Mombasa Sports Club, Kenya Harlequin and Nondescripts. KCB, Mwamba, Homeboyz and Embu RFC battle it out in Pool 'C'.
