Kenya Simbas are poised for a crunch return leg showdown in Kampala as captain George Nyambua calls for improvement.
Kenya Simbas captain George Nyambua has voiced concerns about the team’s performance following a hard-fought 27-25 victory over Uganda Cranes in the opening leg of the 2024 Victoria-Elgon Cup.
Played on Saturday at Nairobi’s RFUEA Grounds along Ngong Road, the match renewed the fierce rivalry between the two East African rugby powerhouses, as Kenya narrowly escaped with a two-point lead.
Despite the win, Nyambua was quick to acknowledge the challenges his team faced.
“It’s going back to the drawing board again,” he said after the match acknowledging that there were improvements needed.
19:00 - 09.11.2024
Kenya Simbas edge Uganda in gritty first-Leg 2024 Elgon Cup showdown
Kenya narrowly edged out a spirited Uganda Cranes side 27-25 in Nairobi, and have their work cut out to get the overall victory away in Kampala next week.
“We really need to sit down and watch the videos to see where we made mistakes and the areas where we played well. There are a few things that didn’t work for us.”
One key issue highlighted by Nyambua was the number of penalties Kenya conceded throughout the game, particularly on offsides and high tackles.
“I’ll say our letdown today was we gave away too many penalties, especially on the offside and high tackles, which we need to work on next week before we travel to Kampala,” he added.
This observation underscores the team’s need to tighten up defensively and reduce unnecessary infractions that could cost them in high-stakes matches.
The Elgon Cup opener was anything but straightforward for the Simbas, who were repeatedly tested by a determined Uganda Cranes squad.
07:45 - 10.11.2024
Kenya Lionesses poised for a crunch quarter-final clash in the 2024 Women's Africa Rugby 7s against hosts Ghana
After a hat-trick of wins in day one of the 2024 Women's Africa Rugby Sevens, Kenya Lionesses revisit their business hosts Ghana in the quarter-finals after narrowly edging them in pool B.
Kenya’s eventual 27-25 victory may have been cause for celebration, but Nyambua’s candid critique suggests that the team recognizes the work ahead if they hope to secure the Cup.
With the return leg scheduled for Saturday, November 16, in Kampala, the Simbas face a crucial week of preparation as they seek to defend their narrow lead on Ugandan soil.