T. NashipaeCurtis Olago insists Chipu's best is yet to come
Reading Time: 3min | Fri. 21.07.23. | 20:15
The Kenyan boys have failed to sparkle in their opening two matches but are keen to finish off on a high
Kenya U20 national team head coach Curtis Olago has commended his charges despite falling to Spain in the second World Rugby U20 Trophy pool B match played at the Nyayo National Stadium on Thursday 20 July 2023.
Olago's charges failed to go past the Spaniards who were strong in their set pieces and won the game, 48-18.
Kenya dominated the first half, and at half time the scores were 17-15 in favour of the visitors.
Spain came out guns blazing in the final half, scoring 21 more points that further downed Chipu who only managed a penalty.
Speaking to Mozzart Sport after the game, Olago noted that the boys lacked proper exit strategy that cost them.
He also explained that the side was under high pressure from the Spanish men, often causing them to make the wrong decisions.
"Good game especially in the first half. We had it. We just scrambled in the second half in terms of the rules of the game; our exit strategy. We were kept under pressure in the second half and we kept on making mistakes when we needed to exit. That kind of pressure for like 10 minutes, it tires you down," Olago explained.
According to the KCB rugby coach, the boys lacked exposure. Unlike their opponents who had competed in friendlies with other countries, Chipu was green if their tactician's assessment is anything to go by.
Their last international engagement was on Sunday 30 April during the U20 Barthes Cup finals where Zimbabwe hit Kenya 28-7 in the finals.
"There were a lot of positives. This side has only played two games against Samoa and Spain. They did not have build-up matches. For them to pick it up like that, kudos to them. These boys keep on improving every single day," Olago told Mozzart Sport.
_(1)-min.jpg)
Despite that, the gaffer expressed confidence that the boys would impress. He called for patience from Kenyan rugby fans.
"We are building up slowly and the thing is encourage them to keep going. Do not worry, we will play well. We promised we will, and we shall. Stay patient and keep the faith," he urged.
Skipper Michael Wamalwa also assured Kenyans that the boys had picked a lesson or two, and they would keep the fight on despite the intense competition.
"This is a tough tournament. There are better teams, but for us it is about exposure and good experience. We will keep on fighting. We have learnt that things will not always go our way. But we have improved our performance from the last season," he said.
Their last pool match will be against Hong Kong on Tuesday 25 July 2023.
This is expected to be a fiercely contested match since both teams will be in search of their first win. Hong Kong lost 53-0 to Samoa in their opening game before falling 30-27 to Spain in their second pool game.
The Kenyans on the other side will be seeking to bounce back from their 48-18 loss against Spain. Prior to this, they had suffered a 34-25 defeat in the hands of Samoa.
