Strathmore Leos' Thomas Opiyo races past Brian Kilonzo and Brian Omondi of KCb during a recent match/HANDOUT
Strathmore Leos coach Willis “Foxxy” Ojal believes depth and tactical nous will be key ahead of next month’s National Sevens Series.
The Madaraka-based side finished second last season, running KCB close until the final leg—the Dala Sevens in Kisumu. The tactician believes a stronger bench will be crucial as the Leos chase their first series win since 2009.
“From last season, we were hampered by injuries to our key players, especially in the final leg in Dala, so obviously we need depth to mitigate things like injuries and loss of form in a competitive Sevens series,” Ojal said.
The Leos have had five weeks of pre-season working on strength and conditioning. Ojal says they will intensify their preparations over the next two weeks leading up to the start of the Sevens series at the Prinsloo Sevens on July 25-26 in Nakuru. “We are now entering a phase where we ramp up our preparation, working on tactical skills as well as basic core skills, defensive alignment, and the set-piece,” Ojal added.
Ojal said the side will grace the Ruff and Tuff tournament slated for July 12 at the Racecourse grounds, where they are the defending champions. “It will be a good tournament to test ourselves against teams we will face and see how well we are prepared,” added Ojal.
Ojal is expected to unleash former Quins playmaker Amon Wamalwa in the shorter version of the game, having signed the player during the mid-season Kenya Cup transfer window last season.
Wamalwa will complement the likes of Kenya Sevens players Nygel Amaitsa, Gabriel Ayimba, Victor Mola, Samuel Wafula, and Stanlaus Shikoli, among others.
“He brings the X-factor and plays as well as making good decisions on the pitch, and he will complement the existing players we have in the squad,” noted Ojal.
The Leos bagged two tournaments last season, beating KCB in the finals of the Prinsloo and Embu Sevens.
They also finished as runners-up in the Driftwood Sevens, took fifth place in the Kabeberi Sevens, and came home eighth in the Dala Sevens. They finished with a total of 105 points, 21 behind eventual champions KCB.
