Naikuni to Kenya 7s : Ignore critics
Sponsors of the national Sevens team Kenya Airways have assured the team of continued support in spite of their false start in IRB world series.
Chief Executive Officer Titus Naikuni yesterday told the team to focus on better results. He spoke during the unveiling of the team for the Tokyo and Hong Kong legs. He urged the team to put aside the criticism that they have been subjected to in the last few months, especially on social media.
“Don’t be put down by the messages you have been receiving; we shall continue supporting you. Even if the performance is not as good as expected, there is always next time,” he said.
“Your patron President Uhuru Kenyatta, Kenya Airways and fans are looking up to you. I have confidence that you will perform well in spite of intense pressure,” said Naikuni.
Competition
Kenya Rugby Union chairman Mwangi Muthee told the team to take the achievements of their 15-a-side counterparts in the Vodacom Cup as healthy competition for the title of top rugby performers in Kenya – a position that the Sevens team previously exclusively held.
“The 15s team is closing the gap fast, and soon they will be dining with you on the table of kings,” said Muthee.
Kenya 7s head coach Paul Treu said his charges had made marked improvement, and would be working on consistency in the next two legs.
“We have had a tough season, as we have played 42 percent of our group games against the top five teams in the world. It won’t get any easier but we are progressing,” he said.
Kenya Harlequins’ Max Theuri will make his debut while Andrew Amonde returned to his role as captain after missing out on the Wellington and Las Vegas legs due to injury.
Dennis Ombachi, who got injured during training in South Africa is expected to be fit. The team leaves for Tokyo on Sunday.