Kenya under-20 coach Curtis Olago said he is very proud of his team’s progress at the World Rugby U20 Trophy.
Speaking after their 48-18 loss to pool favourites Spain, Olago said the team is competing at a very high level despite not having played serious warm-up matches.
“Kudos to the boys as they are putting up good performances by almost matching both Samoa and Spain despite not having played any competitive build-up matches,” said Olago.
“All the boys need right now is encouragement and positivity that the results will come as they are already working hard and building step-by-step."
“It was a good game (against Spain) as we were in it in the first half but we crumbled under pressure and thus unable to get our exits right,” he said.
“That kind of constant pressure in our own half tired us down and we were unable to deliver in the opposition half."
Chipu trailed by only two points at the end of the opening half, at 17-15. However, the hosts collapsed in the second half, conceding five unanswered tries.
Olago added that he was proud of his decision to move Kenya Harlequins prospect, Faran Juma from full back to fly half saying that he was the key to executing the game plan for the day which was to move the ball more.
“I urge the fans to keep their faith in us as I promise that we will play well against Hong Kong China. We are going to correct our mistakes, especially our exit strategy,” said the KCB head coach.
Chipu will be aiming at a third-place finish in Pool B when they face Hong Kong China at Nyayo Stadium on Tuesday.
In other results, 14-man Samoa beat Hong Kong China 30-27 to stay in contention while Uruguay overcame a slow start to thrash African champions Zimbabwe 51-14.
Scotland defeated USA 40-13 to remain undefeated.
