Africa-Press – Kenya. Nondescripts RFC head coach Moses Wanyaga believes possession and territory will be key when his side faces Pirates Rugby Club in the Enterprise Cup semifinal on Saturday in Kampala.
The ‘White Shirts’ cruised past Ugandan outfit Kobs 29-13 in the quarterfinals last month in Nakuru, but Wanyaga expects a tougher test against Pirates, who edged out KCB Rugby 11-10 in their last-eight clash. “The Pirates team form the bulk of the Ugandan national team, so they have experience and playing at home will give them an edge, but we are well prepared and ready for the encounter,” noted Wanyaga.
He added: “We have to play in the right areas, get our game management right, and look at ways of executing our attack and exploiting the chances we create.”
Wanyaga said his side has benefited from a break following their final regular-season match in the Kenya Cup, where they thrashed MMUST 50-7 to seal a playoff spot against last year’s losing finalists, Menengai Oilers. “It’s been a gruelling season, but the boys are well rested and fired up for the business end of the season, where we hope to take a key step in winning a trophy come the end of the season,” noted Wanyaga.
Nondies will be without skipper Steven Odhiambo and Maxwell Omondi due to injuries, but Wanyaga remains confident in his squad depth. “Injuries are part of the game, so the next available player must step in, get a win and deliver,” he added.
On balancing his squad ahead of both the Pirates clash and the upcoming playoff against the Oilers, Wanyaga said: “We will take one match at a time. Definitely, we have to balance the squad and ensure everyone is fit and firing on all cylinders.”
Wanyaga will rely on Elisha Koronya, Boniface Amimo, Hillary Baraza and Charles Omondi in the forward pack, while Iam Mumbwani, Kevin Sheunda and Tony Fidens will be key in the backline. The winner of the clash will face either defending champions Kabras Sugar RFC or Menengai Oilers in the final set for May 23 at the RFUEA Grounds.
