News - 2008

Kenyan Sevens side determined to go one better

Dubai, 20 November, 2008: Having beaten England three times last season, Kenyan coach Benjamin Ayimba is confident his side will take another step closer to the world’s top teams when they compete in the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens next week.

The Kenyans reached the Cup quarterfinals at last year’s tournament, only to be denied in a tightly-fought encounter against South Africa. But at the USA Sevens later in the season, they managed to go one step further by reaching the Cup semifinal.

“We are certainly closing the gap on the top teams. Our record against England demonstrates that,” said Kenyan coach Benjamin Ayimba. “There is a fine line, however, between the top group and the sides that follow. It is very difficult to break into that elite group.

“And to cross that line, there are a few things we have to take care of first. But generally our side has great cohesion this year and we have so much more depth than previously. There is no doubting that,” added the man whose side recently triumphed at the African Rugby World Cup Sevens qualifying tournament in Tunisia.

Ayimba is particularly looking forward to playing in Dubai again this year, where his side have been drawn in Pool B alongside South Africa, Scotland and hosts Arabian Gulf.

“The Dubai Sevens was the first big tournament I attended. To this day, it has all the main aspects a tournament needs and it does those aspects so well.

“I came here for the first time in 1999 and I was so impressed how the tournament was run, even then. It is, without doubt, my favourite tournament,” added Ayimba.

“Kenya always prove to be a team to keep and eye out for at the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens,” said Gary Chapman, President Group Services and Dnata, Emirates Group.

“They have sprung a few surprises over the years here in Dubai and we look forward to welcoming them back to the tournament and seeing what they have in store for the crowds in 2008 at our spectacular new venue,” he added.

The Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens takes place at The Sevens, on the Dubai-Al Ain Rd, just beyond the Outlet Mall from November 27-29, 2008. There are 15,000 parking spaces available at the new venue and from 5pm each day, free buses will transport fans from the venue back to five convenient locations across Dubai. These are: Festival City, Media City (family drop off point), Barasti, Al Murooj Rotana's Double Decker or The Irish Village.