Kenya’s rugby Sevens team, Shujaa are out to rectify on their disastrous campaign during the Rio 2016 Olympics.
Good preparations in a conducive environment has enabled the team to get everything in order as they aim to make a mark in Tokyo.
The team intensified training on Wednesday in Tokyo and captain Willy Ambaka who is one of the survivors from the Rio 2016 squad says that they are in better shape than five years ago where they lost all the three matches they played at the Olympics.
“We are now close to the business end of things. We all know the Olympics is the pinnacle of all games. The boys are excited and we can’t wait to get the run out on Monday.”
“We have an experienced squad, but we have to be careful not to let emotions get into us. We just need to stay calm and with a peace of mind and just get the results out of Tokyo.
In Rio, Shujaa fell 31-7 to Great Britain, 28-5 to New Zealand, and 31-7 to Japan in what was a campaign to forget.
To some members of Team Kenya, the weather has not been friendly to them but Shujaa are loving it according to Ambaka.
Innocent Simiyu’s team arrived in Tokyo, on Monday from Kurume City where they have been camping ahead of Group C clash against the USA, South Africa, and Ireland.
It is not as bad and I am sure the boys are loving it to be honest. We have always complained of the cold weather. We thank the government and the National Olympic Committee for getting us here early to acclimatize and get our bodies right; ready for the special occasion on Monday.
“The process started way back in October and I am pretty sure that now is just polishing up and just ensuring that we stay hydrated, recover well and sleep well. We have put in the hard work and the boys are ready to face the world.”
Coach Innocent Simiyu has blended experience and youth in the team and hopes that they will live upto the bill this time round.
Kenya take on the USA on Monday at 5:30am Kenyan time and later at 1pm take on South Africa. Shujaa’s last Group game will be against Ireland on Tuesday at 5am Kenyan time.