The Standard Chartered Impala Saracens Rugby academy started off on a brilliant footing today. Coach Nick Odera’s charges went all guns blazing, pressing triggers, blasting through teams as they came.
First to be offered a lesson on Tens rugby was Kisii. A 55-0 score was in the offing by the time the referee’s whistle was blown for fulltime. It is important to note that Kisii never got a chance to step into Impala’s red zone for the entire 20 minutes.
Daystar could then find themselves in the thick when they went against the youthfully gifted outfit. They took in 21 unanswered points at the end of the game. It goes without doubt that the Valley Road students learnt a few matrices on how to weave killer passes if Mohammed Omollo’s ingenuity at half back was anything to copy.
The Catholic University Monks would be the only team to cross the Impala try line. But only once! They would have needed 4 more tries if they were to catch up with Omondi Bill’s hunger for a top table finish. Catholic University are the only team that seemed prepared to pose a challenge to the Omollo captained team.
At the end of Day 1, Academy coach Nick Odera intimated on why he chose the youngsters to play in this tournament.
‘It goes without doubt that we have the most formidable Academy system. The best take out from this is that these players have grown together and have learnt how to play as a unit. They were hungry, disciplined and focused as always. They take in instructions and execute structural play as is required. We always waited for this opportunity. It has struck home and we only needed to boost the team by adding a few Kenya Cup players, who surprisingly, are below 20. Our long term vision is to use these players for the sevens circuit. My realization over the years has been – You don’t require stars on your team. All you need are boys who can play together. I pretty much don’t expect them to run away with the silverware, but if they do, it shall be a surprising step made by the outfit. This is but a start.’
Approaching Mwamba in the Main Cup Quarters
‘Our set pieces have become neater than ever. It will however be a different game against Mwamba as they employ a different tactic after the breakdown. Their strength in pace will be countered by our finesse in defence and speed of recovery. I have solid belief that if we switch on to intelligence mode and switch off needless hard work, we shall finally frustrate them to booking a semi final slot’
