Kenya 7s and Strathmore Leos player Nygel Amaitsa has highlighted winning the Prinsloo 7s as the pinnacle of his 2024 National 7s Circuit campaign.
Strathmore Leos had a strong finish to the season, ending a 15-year wait to reach the Prinsloo 7s final. Reflecting on the season, Amaitsa admitted that the team’s expectations and the reality of their performance differed, especially at the Dala 7s.
Nygel Amaitsa on Chemistry
He revealed that at Dala 7s, they underperformed due to a lack of team chemistry, which cost them a spot in the Cup quarterfinals.
Kenya 7s Nygel Amaitsa in action at the Paris Olympics Rugby 7s games. PHOTO/World Rugby
“When I was at the Olympics, I thought it would be easy, but when I returned for Dala 7s, I realized it was very competitive. We didn’t have the required chemistry and ended up in the Challenge Trophy,” Amaitsa told Scrummage Africa.
He added that the team had set a goal to win the Driftwood 7s to honour their ailing team manager, Harold Tende, but they fell short. However, they achieved their goal at Prinsloo 7s.
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“At Kabeberi 7s, we put up a good fight, and I ended up as the top try scorer, but we were eliminated in the quarters and finished fifth. After that, we targeted winning Driftwood 7s for our Team Manager Roldie, who is battling cancer. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen, but we were determined to win a trophy for him.
Nygel Amaitsa goes over for a Kenya 7s try, PHOTO/ Rugby Afrique
“At Prinsloo, things were easier as we faced fellow varsity sides in the pool and had a favourable route in the quarters and semis. Lifting the cup was a special achievement for us, especially for Roldie. Personally, it was my biggest highlight, as I hadn’t won Prinsloo or played in a final before,” he concluded.
