Our first intention is to enter the Kenya Cup qualifying zone. That means preparing intensely for each match in a long season

Well, I ended up here through an interesting twist. Erick Situma got too busy with his Rugby Afrique work. Since there was no Bamburi Rugby Super Series, we ended up with a really long off –  and pre – season.

I offered to handle skills and manage the programme, as Director of Rugby, as the Committee worked out how to go forward. I struck a rapport with the team. So, the Committee decided that I act Head Coach, in addition to DoR.

Obviously, it’s been a great interaction as I brought my long experience in the game. When I entered the game, only two current veterans were barely born – (former Kenya captain) Innocent Simiyu and (lock) Paul Oimbo…

Thanks! The Floodlit served to give us a goal in the pre season. It helped ready the players mentally and physically for the season. Our not winning it served to show how much more work we need to put in to be any title contender.

We’re working, and praying, to sustain the momentum, though the league is a different challenge.

Ours is mostly a case of maturing players and better gelling with the more experienced ones. The likes of Samuel Oliech (21), Robert Aringo (22), Tyson Okoth (19) are beginning to combine well with the likes of the Simiyu bros – Nato and Innocent, captain Duncan Ekasi as well as Dennis Karani, all of who have been internationals

Yes. Oliech (fullback, ankle) and Anthony Nyandigisi (centre, groin). Oliech’s is a recurring injury from this year’s Kenya test campaign while ‘Nyando’ got injured in the Floodlit Quins and Strathmore matches. They are undergoing rehab and will be back soon

The Quins match is a derby and every derby is different. We go into every one of them intending to win. This will be no different. We expect them to be more motivated after two consecutive derby losses – the Floodlit one being their biggest ever. We have prepared with the necessary respect for Kenya Cup.