Resolution Impala Saracens Head Coach – Frank Ndong’ has expressed excitement at the return of XV rugby after 2 months of back to back sevens rugby. Ndong’, who was once Impala/Kenya XV captain & successfully coached the Resolution Impala Saracens Boks to retaining the 2016/17 ESS trophy will be seeking to begin the 2017/18 XV season on a winning note for the first time in his head coach role. We asked him if it is necessary for any team worth its salt to compete in Floodies 2017. His response was clear, “This is an opportunity for teams to better understand if their combinations heading into ESS/Kenya Cup are any good. Since Floodies is a knock out tournament, technical bench members are pushed to their best of decisions on fielding players & systems of play. The competition on the field of play is also intense. Players understand that it is here that Kenya Cup players are selected & will work to put in the best of performance to impress their coaches. Floodies opens opportunities for teams to also test transferred players and new players just before start of the main leagues. It is here where teams understand if their pre-season regime was a hit or a miss.”
When asked about Resolution Impala Saracens’ preparations, Ndong’ was assertive that Impala has not been involved in any transfers yet. “We have already spotted a number of Standard Chartered Impala Saracens Academy players who can hold their own in top flight competition. This is ingrown talent which we hope shall transition quickly into high intensity competition. You are likely to see at least 5 new faces donning the Resolution Impala Saracens shirt.” Ingrown talent at Impala recently came to the fore when Mark Kwemoi was nominated NSC 2017 MVP.
Ndong’ will always relish an Impala – Quins Floodies fixture because according to his words – ‘it goes down to the wire’. Impala beat Quins 13-11 in the Floodies 2016 semis. The Gazelles have been spotted in consistent training as the 7s team took part in NSC 2017. Will the skills acquired during the pre-season overpower every team that comes face to face with them? Only 10 days remain to start of Floodies 2017. Be there!
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