Uganda Sevens Team Sets Sights on Africa Men’s Sevens After Olympic Repechage Exit

The Rugby Cranes Sevens team has turned their attention to the upcoming Africa Men’s Sevens tournament in Mauritius, following their quarterfinal exit against South Africa in the Olympic Repechage. The team returned home on Monday and will resume training on Wednesday in preparation for the tournament, which takes place over two weekends (June 29-30 and July 6-7).

Rugby Cranes Team manager Micheal Wandera is confident that his team will overcome fatigue and be ready for the continental showpiece. Last year, the Rugby Cranes Sevens finished third in the competition, and they are aiming for a podium finish this time around.

The tournament features twelve men’s teams, with Uganda drawn in Pool B alongside Burkina Faso, Tunisia, and Cote d’Ivoire. The top two teams (excluding Kenya Shujaa) will qualify for the 2025 HSBC SVNS Challenger Series.

Pools for Round One:

• ⁠ ⁠Pool A: Kenya, Nigeria, Madagascar, Mauritius
• ⁠ ⁠Pool B: Uganda, Burkina Faso, Tunisia, Cote d’Ivoire
• ⁠ ⁠Pool C: Zimbabwe, Zambia, South Africa, Algeria

Rugby Cranes Day One Fixtures (EAT time zone):

• ⁠ ⁠Uganda vs Cote d’Ivoire – 11:06am
• ⁠ ⁠Uganda vs Tunisia – 1:50pm
• ⁠ ⁠Uganda vs Burkina Faso – 4:34pm

The team is determined to make a strong showing in Mauritius, and with their sights set on a podium finish, they are ready to give it their all.

Please find below an interview with Rugby Cranes Coach Tolbert Onyango

Physical and Mental Preparedness

Q: What measures have been taken to ensure the team’s physical and mental preparedness for the upcoming Mauritius tournament?

A: We’ve been aware of this scenario for three months and have been preparing accordingly. The boys are committed to giving it their all, and we’ll deal with challenges as they arise.

Addressing Weaknesses

Q: What strategies have been developed to address any weaknesses or vulnerabilities in the team’s performance?

A: We continue to work on areas where we’ve fallen short. It’s an ongoing process.

Team Cohesion and Teamwork

Q: How has the team’s cohesion and teamwork been fostered, considering injuries after Monaco?

A: The team has bonded well, focused on the next job, and everyone is geared to deliver their best this weekend.

Mental Health and Well-being

Q: What support systems are in place for players’ mental health and well-being during the high-pressure back-to-back tournaments?

A: Family, friends, and psychologists are all playing a huge role in ensuring players cope with the tournament.

Preparing for Opponents

Q: How has the team been preparing for the specific playing styles and strengths of their opponents in Mauritius?

A: We’re focusing on what we can control, working on our strengths, and hoping that gets us through the games.

Contingency Plans

Q: What contingency plans are in place for unexpected injuries or setbacks during the tournament?

A: That’s for the Union to answer. We’re hoping for no injuries. Fingers crossed!

Expectations and Success

Q: What expectations do you have for the team’s performance, and how will success be measured?

A: We want to replicate some of the good things from the repecharge tournament. Sticking to our structures and avoiding leaking tries will be success for us.

Monitoring Progress

Q: How will the team’s progress and performance be monitored and evaluated during the tournament?

A: The management team will monitor the team’s performance, as they normally do.

Official Release from Uganda Rugby Federation (https://www.ugandarugby.com