‘Tank’ oils guns for Elgon battle with suave Uganda
Photo/FILE
National 15-a-side’s Dan Weku runs away with the ball as Uganda’s Allan Masiko gives chase during a past Elgon Cup match at the RFUEA ground.
Head coach Michael “Tank” Otieno has his work cut out ahead of the Elgon Cup second leg match against Uganda in Kampala on Saturday.
Even as Otieno considers making only four changes to the team, his focus should be in improving the team’s ability and structures in ball possession, kicking, tackling and defensive structures.
Injured eighthman Duncan Ekasi (Impala) and outside winger, Humphrey Kayange (Mwamba) have been replaced by Victor “Opong” Oduor (Quins) and Kelvin Omiyo (Impala) respectively.
Quins burly prop Daniel Kiptoo and fly half Isaac Adimo are part of Otieno’s tactical strategy as he rests Curtis Lilako (KCB) and Ken Andola (Strathmore) for the Ugandan tour.
Both Ekasi and Kayange suffered concussions in Kenya’s 27-10 victory against Uganda at the RFUEA grounds.
The match also doubled for the tri-nation Victoria Cup.
Kayange, who is also the national sevens team captain, was making a comeback to 15s after almost two years.
Oduor, also a sevens international, is also due to return since July 2009 when he featured in a CAR Cup match against Morocco.
Lost to Zimbabwe
Both Kiptoo, Omiyo and Adimo were in the team that lost to Zimbabwe 24-42 in their opening match to their Victoria Cup defence on June 25.
“Kayange and Ekasi will have a mandatory two weeks to recover,” Otieno said.
“It’s good to see powerful Oduor back and Kiptoo, who has regained his fitness. Their powerful runs and weight advantage will work for Kenya,” said Otieno in an interview.
Adimu, who was injured in Harare is back in shape and his ability to kick and gain territorial advantage will highly be relied on.
“That was one of our weak areas. Our kicking was not strategic as it gave Uganda a lot of possession and territory,” said Otieno.
Otieno said the team is jellying well hence there is no need for many changes.
In the first leg, it was evident that Uganda were quite suave in set-pieces, which completely disoriented Kenya in the first session.
The hosts would only knead one or two phases before the Ugandans disrupted their rhythm and their backs from spreading the ball wide.
