Kenya Sevens' coach Damian McGrath has urged his charges to reduce their error rate and believe in themselves ahead of a pivotal Hong Kong and Singapore Sevens tournament in the next fortnight.
He termed the upcoming tournament in the far east as key to the team's survival in the World Seven Series with Shujaa languishing in 13th place and facing a relegation fight on 29 points.
"We are not in a good position and therefore the trip to Asia presents an opportunity to get out of the relegation zone and keep our status for next season,” he added.
Things are not easy for Shujaa with Kenya facing powerhouses New Zealand, South Africa and Ireland in Hong Kong this weekend.
“We have planned meticulously for the three sides, and with the minor changes we have made to the squad, I believe we should be competitive for the three-day tournament,” noted McGrath.
Commenting on the changes made to the squad, the Englishman said the inclusion of forward Jeff Oluoch and playmaker Johnston Olindi is strategic for the two tournaments.
"For Oluoch, it was a bit simpler. We needed an extra forward and his experience will be vital. Olindi, on the other hand, is able to beat the defensive line and create opportunities for others, which is equally vital for the next two tournaments," added McGrath.
Skipper Nelson Oyoo expressed confidence that the team will survive relegation come to the end of the season.
“Performance-wise, I believe we are improving judging by how we played in the last two tournaments in Los Angeles and Vancouver. The boys are fire and ready to fight to the end," he noted.
The 15th-ranked core team based on accumulated series points after the tenth round in Toulouse will be relegated.
The teams ranked 12th, 13th and 14th at the end of Toulouse will enter a four-team relegation play-off alongside the Challenger Series 2023 winners at the 11th and final round of the Series in London.
The relegation play-off will be a round-robin format with the top two teams playing a final.
The winner will become the 12th core team in the 2024 series while the other three teams will enter their respective regional Sevens Championships in order to qualify for the 2024 World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series.
