NAIROBI, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- Kenya will have everything to lose in the rugby 15s regional Victoria Cup when they take on Zimbabwe Sables in Nairobi in September. Head coach Paul Odera however, believes his side, which is nicknamed Simbas must not be complacent when they face the Sables on Sept. 14.
"There have been moments against Uganda and Zambia, where we were not at our best. Certainly we cannot afford that with the Zambians. Our set piece and defense must be well aligned," Odera said on Monday in Nairobi.
Zimbabwe is the only side yet to lose a match in the four nations Victoria Cup as it has edged Kenya 30-29 in the home fixture. The clash between the two sides in Nairobi next month will determine who wins the Victoria Cup.
Odera said kicking still remains a concern for the side after seeing the Simbas miss nine points from three missed conversions and a penalty.
"I have said kicking for points in Kenyan rugby is still a problem and it's something that our clubs must address going forward," said Odera.
Kenya has three weeks to prepare for the final against the Zimbabweans and Odera hope they will be at their optimum best.
"We have the time to fine-tune our preparations for the Zimbabwe," said Odera.
Captain Curtis Lilako said Kenya has a superior record against the Zimbabwean, which will inspire them to dismiss their rivals. Kenya beat Zimbabwe 46-30 last year in the Gold Cup and also have wins from 2017 and 2016.
"Zimbabwe is a big game. We lost by a point in the away fixture. We want to rectify our mistakes and take on them head-on," said Lilako.
