Kayange warns teammates not to underrate teams
Former Kenya Sevens skipper Humphrey Kayange has warned his teammates against underrating their opponents ahead of the African qualifiers for 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics.
The qualifiers are set for November 14-15 in Johannesburg and Kayange is among three late additions to the Kenya Sevens team preparing for the qualifiers. Others are Oscar Ouma and Sammy Oliech.
The three were named in a training squad of 29 picked in September to prepare for the qualifiers and the 2015/2016 World Rugby Sevens Series.
Kayange, who captained Kenya Sevens to the 2007 Rugby World Cup Sevens semi-finals, said the team has high chances of qualifying for the Olympics but players should put in more effort and self-belief.
“We have a good chance of qualifying, but we must do more to make it a reality since everyone we will meet dreams of playing at the Olympics,” he said.
There was excitement in rugby circles when the game won its bid to become an Olympics sport at the 121st session of the International Olympics Committee on October 9, 2009 in Copenhagen.
The 33-year-old Kayange was part of the delegation that successfully lobbied for rugby’s inclusion at the Olympics during the IOC congress.
“It will be a milestone for me to be in Rio de Janeiro but I really must work hard, considering the stiff competition for places in the team. I am working on my fitness level and hopefully, all will be fine,” said Kayange.
