Seguya urges clubs to keep pushing ruggers

Eagle-Eyed. Coach Seguya (C) directs traffic during a Rugby Cranes training session at Legends recently. PHOTO BY EDDIE CHICCO

What you need to know:

Rugby. The National 7s circuit that kicks off on Saturday at Kyadondo Rugby Club will give coach Seguya the opportunity to follow up on some of his Rugby Cranes stars.

KAMPALA. The Rugby Cranes played their last Africa Rugby Gold Cup game on Saturday, probably their last Test until the showpiece returns next year in shape of the 2019 Japan World Cup Qualifiers.
The past two months have seen Uganda play up to six Tests against Kenya (2), Namibia, Tunisia, Zimbabwe and Senegal with hard work as the theme under the watchful eye of Cranes coach Robert Seguya.
The shifts put in have benefited players individually and Cranes as a team considering that Uganda finished third, level on 16 points with second placed Kenya, getting a chance to book a ticket to Japan in two years’ time. The campaign has also left players sharper and fitter.
But what happens next when they return to their clubs?
Seguya is afraid that a number of players will suffer a dip in form as they are ‘pampered’ at their respective clubs. “Most of these players are pampered when they return to their clubs, they are told they are too good and end up not working any harder to get better,” he told Daily Monitor. “Some don’t even show up for training at their clubs but are given playing time,” he observed. Seguya has coached Toyota Buffaloes and Hima Heathens before with the latter sacking him in 2016 after a player revolt, citing his military-like and conservative training style.
The former Uganda international is now pleading with coaches to keep pushing Cranes stars to help Cranes build a strong side for next year’s Gold Cup. “ If the players keep working hard at their clubs, we will not have to work from scratch but to build on what they have been doing. But if they relax, we will have a lot to do to get them in shape,” explained Seguya.
The National 7s circuit that kicks off on Saturday at Kyadondo RFC will give Seguya the opportunity to follow up on some of his stars.

Rugby AFRICA GOLD CUP - RESULT

Uganda 38-12 Zimbabwe