Rugby: Kenyans leave Tokyo 2021 on a positive note
The Kenyans face Canada in the rugby sevens tournament at the Tokyo 2021 Olympic Games. REUTERS - STOYAN NENOV
Text by: David Kalfa Follow
4 min
Beaten 24-10 by Canada, the Kenyans finished 10th in the rugby sevens tournament at the Tokyo 2021 Olympic Games. A result slightly better than that obtained at the 2016 Olympics (11th) but which gave hope to a team from Kenya determined.
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From our special correspondent in Tokyo,
Felix Oloo, the coach of the Kenya women's rugby sevens team, gathers his players in a circle for long minutes on the lawn of the Tokyo Stadium. The Kenyans have just lost 24-10 to Canada in a match for 9th place at
the Tokyo
2021
Games.
The Lionesses kneel to pray. What did their coach tell them at the end of this second Olympic campaign, after 11th place at the 2016 Olympics? it will remain a team secret.
“
These
Olympics
are a great experience for my players, especially considering where we come from
,” says Oloo.
We have to keep in mind that half of our team was placed in isolation until the start of these Games
”.
When they arrived in Japan, six Kenyans had to observe an 8-day quarantine, because a passenger on their outbound flight had tested positive for Covid-19.
“
Despite that, they played very well
, believes their coach.
They scored in almost every game and for me that was essential.
Winning at least one game was also important for our confidence
”.
"
Kenya continues to grow
"
Beaten by the New Zealanders (29-7), Russia (35-12) and Great Britain (31-0), the Lionesses, on the other hand, opposed the Japanese 21-17.
A result which allows them to finish 10th in these Tokyo Games.
During these 2021 Olympics, Kenya certainly hoped to reach the quarter-finals.
But, given the context and the adversity, captain Philadelphia Orlando is not choosy.
“
I'm already very proud to have faced Canada for this last game.
It's a great team
, she smiles.
These girls are third in the ranking of the Sevens Series
[series of rugby
sevens
tournaments that bring together the best national teams, Editor's note]
.
It was a real plus to play against them
”.
The opening half and its partners have a double mission: to win a first participation in the World Cup, the next being scheduled for 2022 in South Africa.
And continue to prove that Kenyan sport is not all about athletics.
“
Most people still think Kenyans are capable of taking part in the Olympics only in athletics.
While we excel in a lot of sports, like rugby, both for men and women.
I really think that in sports, Kenya continues to grow and that we will be even better represented in Paris 2024,
”she concludes.
► Tokyo 2021: Calendar of events, results, medal table
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