KCB coach praises Festus Shiasi, tips returning Chipu captain Michael Wamalwa for Kenya Sevens call up

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RUGBY KCB coach praises Festus Shiasi, tips returning Chipu captain Michael Wamalwa for Kenya Sevens call up

Mark Kinyanjui 10:33 - 25.03.2024

Wamalwa featured on the flanks against Menengai Oilers following his return from an ACL tear, while Shiasi was made to work hard on the other flank as KCB booked a Kenya Cup final place.

KCB assistant coach Dennis Mwanja has tipped Michael Wamalwa for a future Shujaa call-up following his spirited performance against Menengai Oilers during their Kenya Cup semi-final clash which took place at the KCB Sports Club, in Ruaraka on Saturday.

The Bankers overcame the Oilers 21-12 to seal a Kenya Cup final place for the second year in a row, but it was a hard-fought victory that saw them need a late Bob Muhati try to get them over the line.

KCB opted to start Michael Wamalwa on the right wing, while Festus Shiasi played on the left, even though they are centers by nature, and were made to put a shift in, with the dirt on their shirts at the end underpinning this attribute.

Mwanja was quick to laud their performances, especially Wamalwa, who has missed most of the season due to an ACL problem he is now over.

He has tipped the Kenya U20 captain for a future Kenya 7s call-up.

“I applaud Michael because he is getting back from a major injury  and ACL repair. He is a player I have tipped for a future Shujaa place,” Mwanja said.

On Shiasi, Mwanja said: “Shiasi is also a great player. He had near misses and he was mismatched by his opponent, but all in all, he is still sharp and able to step up in the next game.”

Meanwhile, the gaffer has praised his charges for their spirit and grit which enabled them to get over the line against a frankly problematic opponent.

“During this game, we always had an opportunity to score from the first minute when we were held up and also on the edge of the field when we could not score, we always believed that we were going to score,” Mwanja said.

“All in all, Oilers were also a tough opponent. It is a knockout game and a game of points . Whoever stays in the fight longer is the one who is going to win the game, which is right for us.”

Mwanja has also decried injuries as a reason the side has been altered on so many occasions this season.

“These changes were forced sometimes because we got injuries and the layover from that forced us into tweaking the squad, but all in all, the squad is talented and they are determined and the final is a familiar spot for us.

“Just getting there, being fresh for the day and playing our best rugby is what we are looking forward to.”

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