The women’s rugby sides of Kenya and Uganda are gearing up for this year’s two-legged Elgon Cup competition. The fixtures will be played in July with Kenya to host the first game.
Kenya are looking for their third successive victory in the annual competition between the two African nations and coach Sammy Kemmey has already named a provisional squad of 30 players and will name a final 22 next week.
He says that there has been good preparation in the build-up.
“The team has had three new call ups of Damima Duffield, Florence Awour and Janet Awour and we have also had the return of Rebecca Kerubo who will be instrumental in beefing up the forwards. The team spirit is great and I am happy with the preparation so far.”
Kemmey adds that there is pressure on his side who are having a successful run in the competition so far.
“This year is very important for us as we are going for a third successive victory. There is pressure on the team but they have a good connection with each other and that will be the extra boost we need I hope to get up and keep going, to get those extra seconds and half-seconds that will give us the edge over our opponents.”
Kenya are expecting a big challenge particuarlly up front and Kemmey says his side have been preparing accordingly.
“The Ugandans are an extremely physical side, and we are currently working on making sure that we can get up and keep going after the big hits and be disciplined enough not to give them any chances for goal. It will be all about keeping a balance.”
Following the competition which takes place on July 9th in Nairobi and July 16th in Kampala, Kemmey’s side will prepare for a number of other 7s events this year.
Kenya will also take part in the Zimbabwe 7’s tournament in August, CAR 7’s in Bostwana on October and the Dubai 7’s in December.
.
