This archive report was first published on 26 July 2021.
At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Kenya's Shujaa team is gearing up for a crucial match against South Africa after narrowly losing their opening match in Pool C.
Speaking after the match, head coach Innocent Simiyu acknowledged that his team had only themselves to blame for not closing out the game when they were leading 14-12 with 90 seconds to go.
"We started the game slowly and that was a challenge for us. We gave them two soft tries but the boys managed to dig in and get back in the game," Simiyu said.
Simiyu expressed confidence that his team would pick up in the next game, citing the impressive performance of the young players who made their debuts at the Olympics.
"The young players executed well; some of the calls were marginal 50/50 calls, we will see how we will remove those 50/50 calls," Simiyu added.
Team captain Andrew Amonde echoed Simiyu's sentiments, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and focus in their next match against South Africa.
"Our goal is team work around all the 12 players and get them in the rhythm and that is how we are going to win," Amonde said.
Seasoned player Collins Injera, who scored the first try for Kenya, expressed disappointment at not being able to grab the win but remained upbeat ahead of the tie against continental rivals Blitzbokke.
USA head coach Mike 'Otoyo' Friday backed Kenya against South Africa, predicting that Shujaa would progress into the quarters.
