7s camp in high spirits despite tight schedule
Uganda’s Adrian Kasito (C) in action against Zambia at the Safari Sevens. The side resumed training yesterday at Kyadondo. PHOTO BY EDDIE CHICCO
KAMPALA- This year’s Rugby Sevens Cranes activities got off the blocks with two training sessions, one as early as 6:30am and the next 12 hours later, yesterday at Kyadondo RFC with coach Tolbert Onyango calling the shots.
Both sessions were vibrant and full of energy, something needed with the longest sevens season on the way. The extensive campaign starts next month with a trip to South America in Viña del Mar, Chile (February15-16) and Montevideo, Uruguay (February22-23). Two month later, the schedule brings them face to face with the Hong Kong World Series Qualifier (April 3-5).
Then June avails the biggest of them all in shape of the final 2020 Men’s Olympic Qualification Tournament which captain Michael Wokorach has already labelled special. “It would be our biggest achievement as a team, everyone dreams of playing in an Olympics where you find the best in all sport disciplines in the world. Even after playing in the commonwealth and world cup, Olympics is something special, “he said.
The year ends with the sevens Africa Cup to cap off the busiest of schedules. Wokorach also thought the camp harboured a positive mood with smiles and the right attitudes all over. The kind of good start necessary especially after a long break stretching all the way back to November after the Africa Cup. “It was a good session, we did a blowout, the mood in the camp is good and the new boys are excited to join,” he added.
Stanbic Pirates’ pair of Alex Aturinda and Kevin Balagadde makes the ‘new boys’. Of the summoned 15, only vice-captain Phillip Wokorach who is plying his trade at Bourges in France missed out on yesterday’s sessions.
2020 7s calendar
Challenger Series: Chile (Feb.15-16)
Challenger Series: Uruguay (Feb 22-23)
World Series Qualifier: H.Kong (April 3-5)
Olympics Qualifiers: June 20-21 (TBC)
Africa Cup 7s: (Venues & Date TBC)
The squad
Ian Munyani, Pius Ogena, Solomon Okia, Desire Ayera, Adrian Kasito, Levis Ocen, Nobert Okeny, Aaron Ofoyrwoth, Michael Wokorach (captain), Phillip Wokorach (vice captain), Isaac Massanganzira, Joseph Aredo, Kelvin Balagadde, Alex Aturinda, William Nkore
