Kenya’s national team coach, Curtis Olago, expressed his delight with the improvement shown by his players despite securing their first win in the World Under 20 Rugby Trophy.
The team, known as Chipu, managed to overcome Hong Kong in a tense encounter, winning 22-16 in their final Pool B match at Nyayo Stadium.
For Olago, the focus is on the growth of the game, rather than just the result. He emphasized the importance of game management and structure, aiming for better performances in defence and attack. The coach praised the boys for their efforts and highlighted the continuous work required to keep improving.
Next up for Chipu is a grudge match against African champions Zimbabwe in the fifth-place playoff match at the same venue. Olago sees this as an opportunity to assess the team’s progress since their previous encounter in the Under 20 Barthes Cup, where Zimbabwe emerged victorious.
Olago acknowledged the strength of the Zimbabwean team, appreciating their preparation and structure. Hong Kong coach, Logan Asplin, also praised the Kenyan defence, describing it as a brick wall that his team struggled to break through.
Despite their loss, Asplin sees many positives for his young Hong Kong team, emphasizing their improvement throughout the tournament. The Asian side will now prepare for their seventh-place playoff tie against the United States.
In other matches, Spain secured a victory against Samoa, topping Pool B, while Uruguay beat Scotland to assume control of Pool A. The South Americans will face Spain in the final, and Scotland will meet Samoa in the third-place playoff.
