Eldoret RFC team manager Billy Ochieng believes the pre-season friendly matches and tournaments will aid their push for promotion to the Kenya Cup next season.
Ochieng said it has been a while since they played in the league and are ready to battle for top positions as they seek to return to the top tier next season after playing in KRU Championships for over nine years.
“We have had a couple of friendly matches and pre-season tournaments to build the team mentality and strength ahead of the league start. As a team, we have seen our points of strength and weaknesses, which we have rectified,” said Ochieng.
The Eldoret-based club will start their season against Kabarak University at home in the second-tier league, where six matches will be on the card in the opening fixtures across the country.
He added: “Playing at home, we have to start on a higher note to give our fans much-needed reason to come to the pitch to watch us play. It is advantageous to us as we seek a win on Day 1."
Last month, they were bundled out of the inaugural Western region pre-season Lake Victoria Cup in the quarters against Kenya Cup side, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology in their backyard, going down 51-0.
Last season, the former Kenya Cup side finished eighth but their target this time round is the top four as they seek to rub shoulders with the big boys.
“Right now, we have the right structures and build-up because this is a team sport that requires teamwork. We have to work out to ensure these boys play together as a team,” he added.
In other matches of the day, former Kenya Cup champions Impala Saracens and Nondescripts will be taking on promoted side Zetech University and Daystar University respectively as they start life in the Championship.
South Coast Pirates will host United States International University while Shamas Foundation will host former Kenya Cup outfit Kisumu RFC with Western Bulls playing the University of Eldoret Trojans.
KRU Championships 15s Round 1 fixtures
Impala vs Zetech University
Nondes vs Daystar University
South Coast Pirates vs USIU
Shamas Foundation vs Kisumu RFC
Western Bulls vs UOE
Eldoret vs Kabarak University
