McGrath: Shujaa can be the best in the world, but...

Kenya rugby sevens head coach Damian McGrath insists that more strategic steps need to be put in place for the national side to attain sustainable success for years to come.

McGrath, who has been in charge of Shujaa since May this year feels that for years, the side has been punching above its’ weight by relying on “a golden generation of players” to compete with better sides.

“We are trying to compete on equal footing with countries that have far more resources and better facilities which allows their countries to perform better. You only have to look at the facilities here at KRU where we are trying to compete by using a gym that is not fit for purpose and a field that we can hardly use,” he noted.

“If we can use these resources (thanks to the new sponsorship deal), we can certainly improve our performances.”

The realist British tactician, who boasts a track record of coaching sides like England and Samoa, challenges the Kenya Rugby Union to create a more conducive environment that will enable the new generation of players coming through to thrive

“It’s easy to say that Kenya has had a golden generation of players which it has relied on, but there has been no development, strategy and plan (on how to replace them).

“We are trying to catch up on all those things and having to rely on young players, but it takes time. We are relying on the players that we have now to help us hopefully secure our place in the World Series.

“I’m confident that these players can do it. I have got a great technical bench supporting me. There are no guarantees but we are confident we can keep Kenya at the top of table.”

The HSBC World Series will be heading to Hamilton, New Zealand from January 21-22. McGrath says he will have ample time to prepare the team, promising a change of fortunes to the side’s bad start to the season.