Nakuru RFC aiming for Kenya Cup playoffs despite rocky season start
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Reading Time: 3min | Mon. 20.01.25. | 17:38
Wanyore have gone winless in their first five matches, with a recent 34-5 loss to KCB Rugby adding to their growing list of defeats
Former Kenya Cup champions Nakuru RFC are keeping their playoff hopes alive despite a tough start to the season.
The side has had a challenging run so far, struggling to find their footing in all the matches played.
They have gone winless in their first five matches, with a recent 34-5 loss to KCB Rugby adding to their growing list of defeats.
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Other setbacks include losses to Kenya Harlequins (17-0), Blak Blad (27-5), Nondies (24-8), and Menengai Oilers (34-15), leaving them in 11th place on the 12-team log, without a single point.
Despite these early struggles, coach Simon Wariuki remains optimistic about his side's potential to turn things around and is determined to guide them to the playoffs.
Speaking to Mozzart Sport after the week five Kenya Cup match against KCB Rugby, Wariuki called for calm from the fans, promising to turn things around.
"This is not where we wanted to be as a club. I would prefer we got a few points over the last couple of games. There were possibilities of some points but at the end of the day, we are still at zero points," the former player admitted.
Despite the tough start, Wariuki has been impressed by the spectacular growth within the squad, especially considering the team's inexperience.
"I am impressed with the boys because they are putting up a good show. The scores are not the best but it is a young side. I have three or four boys who are straight from high school.
I am impressed with the progress and I believe the points will be coming in soon," he offered.
The coach went on to blame several factors for their slow start, including a lack of proper preseason conditioning and transition in the team’s management.
"We did not have a proper pre-season and our conditioning was not good when the season started. We were transitioning from old management to a new one, so there was some laxity on our part.
We started the pre-season late and we knew that without a proper pre-season, we would get into the game late and our opponents were tough," he averred.
He however feels that the team is starting to hit their stride by lowering the points they are conceding.
"But we are hitting the gears well, and the boys are becoming fit by the week. Most teams that have come here (KCB Grounds) have gone home with 50s, 60s, and 80s, so big up to the boys.
I have some experienced players like Edwin Makori, Philip Okwame, Felix Okoth, and Philip Okeyo who are in the Kenya Sevens camp, but it was a good performance," he said.
Looking ahead Wariuki remained confident in his team's ability to turn their fortunes around.
"The next game is Kabras, but the hill is almost over. We will face them with the same intensity. I have five games to win after I play Kabras.
Our position does not worry us. We are still aiming for playoffs. After three games, we will be in a different position," he concluded.
They will welcome Kenya Cup defending champions Kabras RFC in the week six clash slated for Saturday 25 January at the Nakuru Showground.
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