Coach Nyati looks for Kenyan redemption
By Sports Reporter
A CONFIDENT 22-man Zambia 15s rugby squad yesterday left for Kenya in an effort to redeem themselves in the Confederation of Africa (CAR) Super 10 Pool C qualifiers.
The Zambian team, which is being led by Captain Geoffrey Zimba of Green Eagles, left for Nairobi without a team doctor or physiotherapist.
Coach Toby Nyati said in Lusaka before departure that his team was ready for Kenya and that they were aiming for an outright win in today’s encounter at the Impala Rugby Fields in Nairobi.
Nyati said it was the first time that Zambia was facing Kenya in a 15s competition but that he knew how their Sevens team played.
He said his squad was going to East Africa to try and redeem some pride after a disappointing match against Namibia two weeks ago in Chingola which the Zambians lost rather badly.
“After that loss to Namibia, we want to redeem ourselves by going for an outright win in Kenya.
“We expect a good game and also good results in Kenya,” said Nyati, who is being assisted by Lovemore Phiri.
He, however, could not divulge details on why any medical staffer did not accompany the team.
Nyati appealed to rugby fans to give his squad moral support saying the team was determined to perform well in Nairobi today.
The 22-man squad has skipper Musonda Kaminsa, Buka Nthembe, Mumba Mufumbe, Chilima Matete, Musonda Chileshe, Chipo Mubagwa, Owen Mhango, John Kambayembe, Ceaser Mutesha, Alex Mwila, Chancy Mulama and Lawrence Njovu.
Others are Robert Luhanga, Patrick Chanda, Richard Kapoma, Gilbert Musakanya, Ronnel Armnwool, Ronald Chishimba, Dodic Nowanga, Martin Zimba, Tengo Ngondo and Longa Chikwamo.
The squad is expected back home tomorrow.
