7's

Funny how the aptly named (Shujaa) Kenya's "second" string seven-a-side rugby team always manages to upstage there first team counterparts. This year wasn't any different with the second team picking up a trophy while the more experienced counterparts leaving the tournament empty-handed and upstaged for a second time in recent history by Zimbabwe and South African kids emerging spring boks.

Coach Benjamin Ayimba's reasons for losing could be valid but he should also try and understand the Kenyan fans. Who were willing to pay a premium price and watch the likes of the British Army, Samoa and Fiji, all of whom pulled out at the last minute, but were forced to watch there team play second fiddle to "lesser" teams. Thus the fans frustrations were not entirely squarely on coach Ayimba and his charges, but it was a number of things that went wrong before, during and at the culmination of the event.

For one, the pulling out of the top teams did not help the cause of the National team. It meant pressure for them to perform being that with these teams pulling out they automatically became the favorites to lift the trophy. But unfortunately they couldn't fulfill that potential. In addition, the weather on Saturday disappointed the fans who wanted to see local Kenyan musicians perform. The fans frustrations were further compounded when Kenya lost in the semi-finals to the Zimbs. This after paying a lot of money.

Though I guess it was worth it in the end as the atmosphere found at KRFUEA is second to none in Africa and probably in the world for any rugby sevens tournament.