Kenya Sevens head coach Kevin Wambua said he has tactical tweaks up his sleeves as his young charges face the biggest test of their lives at the Paris Olympics later this month.
Speaking during their final training session ahead of their departure, the tactician said they have been working on a couple of new plans to unleash at the Paris Games with the rugby competition set to start on July 24.
“We have been working on new concepts which we will unleash in the Paris Games to stay ahead of the competition,” said Wambua
The Mwamba tactician said they have been focusing on the kickoff reception in training at Moi Stadium at Kasarani.
“This is one area where we have to perfect. We were ranked third in the kick-off reception during the Challenger Seven Series but I believe the boys can get better at it and be the best in the world," said Wambua.
He said they have also worked on their accuracy in both attack and defence.
“We have worked on doing the basics right from our passing to tackling technique, running good, support lines and efficiency at the breakdown. We want to be in shape by the time we head to the Olympic Games," said Wambua.
He termed the Olympics an eye-opener and a build-up for the World Seven Series starting in December considering they will face the best teams.
“The teams we are facing in Paris are the ones we will face from December in the World Seven Series. So it will be a good indicator of where we stand as a team going forward," he observed.
Shujaa will open their campaign against Argentina, followed by a tricky test against Australia before taking on Samoa.
“We are underdogs in our pool and it's something we are relishing. There are no easy teams in the Olympics. You play the best of the best and we are ready," noted Wambua.
The team departed Monday for a 10-day training camp in Miramas where they will finalise their preparations before arriving in the Olympic Village on July 19.
“It's an ideal camp and we used it last month before went to Madrid for the promotion playoff. I am just getting the boys to be in the right mental and psychological shape for the event."
Co-captain Vincent Onyala, Herman Humwa and strength and conditioning coach Andrew Amonde are the survivors of the Tokyo Olympics 2020.
Wambua said the trio have given useful tips to the players and he hopes they will come in handy. “A good number of us are playing at that level for the first time me included but they have encouraged us and told us what to expect in Paris," he said