Following their recent victory at the Kitaka 10-a-side tournament in Uganda, Nondies Rugby Club has set ambitious goals for the upcoming Kenya Cup season, aiming for a top-six finish when the competition kicks off next month.
Fresh off their triumph in Uganda, which came shortly after winning the Tisap Sevens last month, Nondies coach Oliver Callum expressed great satisfaction with his team’s performance and the morale it provides as they transition into the 15-a-side season. “I am delighted with the boys winning the Sevens in Eldoret and the Kitaka tourney in Uganda. This has given the boys massive confidence going into the start of the season,” he remarked.
In the final of the Kitaka tournament, Nondies secured a 7-0 victory over Uganda Sevens champions Black Pirates, capping an unbeaten run throughout the competition.
Their journey to success included a 10-0 win against the Rams in the quarters and a convincing 22-0 victory over the Rhinos in the semifinals. In the preliminaries, the team, known as the Rangers, dominated with a 43-5 victory over Sailors Rugby, a 28-0 win against Jinja Hippos, and a 38-0 triumph over Buffaloes.
Looking ahead, Callum mentioned their participation in the Impala Floodlit tournament, set to begin in mid-October, as part of their preparations for the Kenya Cup season. He emphasized the importance of fine-tuning tactics and team cohesion in the lead-up to the league.
The coach also celebrated the inclusion of fullback Tony Fidens in the Kenya Sevens training squad, noting it as a positive sign for the club’s progress. He mentioned that several other Nondies players are also on the selectors’ radar, indicating the strides made by the club in player development.
Callum’s ultimate goal for Nondies in the Kenya Cup is to be competitive and consistent. He expressed his determination to avoid a situation where the team faces relegation after promotion. He emphasized the need for Nondies to remain competitive throughout the season and secure a favourable finish in the Kenya Cup.
Furthermore, Callum highlighted that the core of the team from the previous season remains intact, and they plan to assess potential signings during the transfer window in December to strengthen the squad further.
