Upper Hill school rugby 7s Head Coach James Mwangi has sent a stern warning to their opponents ahead of Nairobi County games that begin on Saturday 15 July at St.Marys school, Nairobi.
“Underrate us at your own peril,” warned the coach as he remained confident of returning the former giant to its glory days, having fallen short at the KSSSA National quarter finals in the hands of Butula boys last year which saw their journey come to a halt.
Mwangi, a former Kaya Tiwi School and Upper Hill halfback has been a man on a mission since taking over the reins early last year at the city-based secondary school, leading them to national quarters.
“I think we are well prepared, my boys have done a lot in terms of skills and ball works they were on camp during the midterm break so as to push themselves to the limit”.
“This year we are targeting to win the county 7s title and proceed to regional and eventually reach the East Africa level which is our main target for the season”.he added.
With their main rival, Ofafa Jericho not taking part in sevens by virtue of qualifying for EA 15s, Stakes are high for the upper hill to proceed to regional and nationals and reclaim their title which they last won in 2019.
Upper Hill also won the 2016 7s title, something coach Mwangi is ready to bring it back.
“With proper support and preparation which we have I don’t see why we shouldn’t win” he told the Scrummage Africa.
On challenges, Mwangi admitted to some of his key players missing the games due to injury, but with depth, he has nothing to worry about.
Upper Hill are in pool A alongside Garden Estate School, hosts St Mary’s School, and the New dawn educational centre.
The regional games will be held on 21st July in a yet-to-be-confirmed venue.
Upper hill 7s SQUAD 2023
1.JOSHUA ONGERI
2.ALBERT KELVIN
3.ROWANS AMBANI
4.ISAAC MAUNDU
5.SALIM OWINO
6.DANIEL MAINA
7.MELVIN MWINYI
8.BELLAMY OPICHO
9.SAMUEL OTIENO
10.RANDY MARWA
11.SAID ABDULLAHI
12.PAUL MUGAMBI
13.PHILIP APOPA
