How Strathmore Leos adjusted to missing key backline players against Impala
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Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 04.02.26. | 20:39
The new combination struggled to settle, particularly on the left wing where Ayimba was stationed, an area Impala repeatedly targeted and exploited
Strathmore Leos head coach Willis ‘Foxxy’ Ojal has shed light on the tactical adjustments his side was forced to make, following a backline reshuffle, during their narrow 23-20 defeat to Impala RFC last weekend.
Since the start of the season, Ojal has largely stuck with a settled backline, with Victor Mola anchoring the fullback position.
Collins Maina and Nahashon Mwangemi have been operating on the wings.
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Playmaking responsibilities have alternated between Amon Wamalwa and Nygel Amaitsa at fly-half, while Arnold Muita has provided stability at scrum-half.
That familiar setup, however, was disrupted ahead of the Impala clash due to injuries and player unavailability, compelling the Leos’ tactician to rethink his selection.
“For the backline, we have had a bit of an issue this week. We lost Collins Maina, our winger, who suffered a concussion. Nygel Amaitsa is with the national team, while Andrew Matoka injured his hand over the weekend against Daystar. Victor Mola is in a cast. So, we had to dig deep to find cover for the back three,” Ojal told Mozzart Sport.
As a result, Wamalwa was shifted to fullback, with Gabriel Ayimba and Mwangemi deployed on the wings.
The new combination struggled to settle, particularly on the left wing where Ayimba was stationed, an area Impala repeatedly targeted and exploited.
Despite the disruption, Strathmore remained competitive throughout the contest and pushed Impala all the way, eventually falling short by just three points.
With Ayimba, Mola, and Amaitsa expected to join the Kenya Sevens camp ahead of the HSBC SVNS Division 2, the Leos will have to rely on the current squad as they seek to maximize points.
They currently sit fifth on the log with 16 points.
The Kenya Cup is set for a two-week break, and the Leos will use this window to address their shortcomings and rebuild cohesion in the backline.
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They are scheduled to return to action on Saturday, 21 February, when they host struggling Kisumu RFC, a fixture Ojal hopes will offer an opportunity to regroup and bounce back.
But first, they will make a short trip to the Ngong Racecourse to face Nondies RFC in the Enterprise Cup quarterfinals slated for Saturday, 7 February.
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