T. NashipaeLawi Buyachi outlines massive plans for Kisumu RFC ahead of 2023/24 Kenya Cup season
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Reading Time: 3min | Fri. 28.07.23. | 14:09
During his heydays, Buyachi played for Uganda's Pirates among other clubs
August 2022 proved a truly fortunate month for Kisumu RFC head coach Lawi Buyachi.
Three days after celebrating his 35th birthday on August 17, Buyachi was appointed the new Kisumu RFC head coach on a-year-long contract.
The gaffer, popularly known as Jogoo was selected among a strong contingent that included former Ugandan coach Brian Makalama and Alex Agalo.
Fabian Olando has been his assistant while, Caleb Kiprotich remains the team manager.
His first role was to restore the fortunes of Kisumu RFC who, barely survived relegation from the Championship to the Nationwide league.
Barely a year in office, the Kenyan International has propelled Kisumu RFC to defy odds, and gain promotion to the top tier league.
The side saw off high-flying Daystar University 19-7 in the championship semifinals played at the Strathmore University grounds on Saturday, March 4 to return to the top-flight league after two years in the cold.
Their impressive performance in the ongoing National 7s Circuit has also been orchestrated by Buyachi. The side, settled for sixth place after Driftwood 7s, an improvement from their 10th-place finish in their home tournament; Dala 7s.
As the 2023/24 Kenya Cup season draws nearer, the burly Buyachi finds himself bracing for an uphill task like no other. Leading Kisumu RFC against formidable opponents is no mean feat.
Despite that, Buyachi is undeterred, noting that the efforts will eventually pay off.
"Our plan for Kenya Cup season revolves around our season target which is to survive the chop & maintain our Kenya Cup status," Buyachi told Mozzart Sport.
With the looming challenge of facing top-tier team in Kenya Cup, Buyachi and his team have, been proactively building their arsenal to further strengthen the squad.
The visionary coach also noted that he had crafted a comprehensive training program that left no key area untouched.
"We had to do some shopping for players we believe can help bring some experience & depth to the side & luckily we have not lost any players to other clubs. We have already started our pre-season program & we intend to cover all key areas that will make us competitive & perform optimally," Buyachi offered.
The gaffer also underscored the importance of honing various facets of their game including general strength & conditioning, set pieces, individual skills, and their defense system.
The former South Coast Pirates coach pointed out that leading the boys did not come without its challenges,
"The Lakeside is fantastic, nice & friendly people & lots of places & steam off when off duty. My biggest challenge just like most amateur teams is getting all players assembled together in every session for obvious reasons; school & work but we are trying to see how we all at par in every sector," Buyachi disclosed.
For Buyachi, the bigger dream for Kisumu RFC extended far beyond a single season. He envisions a legacy built on committed growth and turning Kisumu RFC to a hub of rugby excellence.
"We have a long-term plan that include having a proper development strategy to grow the sport within the region & be consistently competing in the top level," Buyachi concluded.
During his heydays, Buyachi played for Uganda's Pirates, Impala RFC, Nakuru RFC, and Kabras RFC. The World Rugby Level II accredited coach also had stints with South Coast Pirates, Kabarak RFC, Kabras RFC, and Eldoret RFC as a guest coach.
He left Top Fry Nakuru in 2017 to take up a coaching role at South Coast Pirates, but returned to playing in 2019 when he joined Kabras RFC. Buyachi retired from playing in 2022 to be a full-time coach.
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