Shujaa newly appointed coach disappointed with team’s skills

Newly appointed Kenya Sevens head coach Damian McGrath has expressed his displeasure with the team’s skills.

McGrath said Shujaa’s style of play had deteriorated and it was difficult to identify what the team was trying to work on but exhibited his commitment to trying to improve the standards of rugby in the country.

“Their Kenya7s skills are poor, I won’t hide from that. The style of play also, it was difficult to see what they were trying to do, but I am hoping that we can make some adjustments. I don’t want to play in a type of way that takes away the strength of Kenyan rugby with the speed, flair and athleticism,” McGrath said.

The Englishman, who was appointed last week following the sacking of Innocent Simiyu after a run of disastrous results, said the team will have to make adjustments in the weeks and months to come.

“My reputation has always been built on doing the basics very well and if we can get the basics to go with the flair and the nature of the Kenyan players, I hope that we can have some success,” McGrath said.

McGrath further said the team has the potential to be world-beaters as they seek to improve their results in the upcoming World Series.

He said it was an easy decision to take the Kenya Sevens job.

“I was approached a week ago to take up the job. It was an easy decision for me, I did not think twice. Kenya brings excitement to the World Seven Series, and I am delighted to be associated with them.”

However, McGrath will take a back seat for the next two legs of the World Seven Series— in Toulouse, France next weekend and the London Sevens on May 28-29.

Former Mwamba RFC utility Kevin Wambua who is one of his assistants will be in charge of the two legs.

Archadius Khwesa and Ben Salem will debut for Shujaa squad to the Toulouse and London legs of the World Rugby Sevens series.

The duo, alongside Alvin Otieno, Timothy Mmasi and Johnstone Olindi are the five changes from the squad that did duty at the Singapore and Vancouver legs of the series.

Shujaa will play alongside Fiji, England and Wales in the upcoming Toulouse leg.

Nelson Oyoo (Topfry Nakuru, Captain), Herman Humwa (Kenya Harlequin), Alvin Otieno (KCB), Collins Shikoli (Homeboyz), Bush Mwale (Homeboyz), Timothy Mmasi (Masinde Muliro), Tony Omondi (Mwamba), Johnstone Olindi (KCB), Billy Odhiambo (Mwamba), Edmond Anya (Impala Saracens), Augustine Lugonzo (Homeboyz), Archadius Khwesa (Blak Blad, debut) and Ben Salem (Nondescripts, debut).