Africa-Press – Kenya. South Coast Pirates coach Tony Khadambi is wary of Kisii Rugby ahead of their rescheduled KRU Championship match at Seacrest School in Diani on Saturday.
The fixture had been set for December but was pushed back at Kisii’s request due to financial difficulties. Kisii head into the match on a high after edging Mean Machine 18–15 last weekend at Cardinal Otunga High School, Mosocho.
Pirates, however, suffered a shock 26–21 home defeat to JKUAT Cougars. “Our preparations this week have been intentional because we know the kind of test Kisii Rugby will bring.
They are a good side and dangerous if you allow them momentum,” Khadambi said. “Our training has been about tightening the areas we felt dipped in our last outing while maintaining our attacking identity.
Playing at home always comes with responsibility and pride. The boys understand what it means to defend Seacrest. ”Khadambi said the team has focused on discipline, decision-making and being clinical in scoring areas, noting that Championship matches are often decided by small margins.
“The mood in the camp is positive and the response in training has been good. We are approaching the game with the seriousness it deserves because we want to stay firmly in the promotion conversation,” he added.
Reflecting on the loss to JKUAT, the coach admitted it was a tough result to take. “We felt we controlled good periods of the match but failed to close it.
Credit to JKUAT, they were clinical when it mattered,” he said. “Losing our first game at home hurt. We have had honest reviews, addressed our defensive organisation and efficiency in the red zone.
I have challenged the players to respond immediately. The squad is ready to show growth when they face Kisii. ”Pirates sit fourth on the table with 21 points from six matches, while Kisii are sixth with 16 points from the same number of games.
Kisii coach Nelvin Lumiti admitted Diani is a tough venue. “JKUAT Cougars showed us that Pirates are beatable at home. We want to maintain our good run and seal a play-off slot,” Lumiti said. Kisii recently conceded a walkover after failing to travel to Mombasa for their match against Mombasa RFC due to financial constraints.
