Club Afrique captain Sipho Hobosch has challenged his teammates to turn their confidence into results when the Pan-African invitational side makes its debut at the 60th edition of the Christie 7s at the RFUEA Grounds this weekend.
Club Afrique will step onto the Kenyan sevens scene for the first time today but Hobosch insists the occasion will not be about simply gaining experience.
The South African-led outfit has set its sights on making the most of its maiden appearance, with the captain admitting that while they have been handed a demanding pool, the outcome will ultimately depend on how they handle the challenge.
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“Firstly we are mentally prepared, it’s a tough pool but it will depend on us how we will handle all the stuff, I think we are really prepared and on our opponents for them they need to stop us as a team so we will also be coming for them,” Hobosch said after the captains’ shoot.
His message underlines the mentality Club Afrique intends to carry into the tournament. Rather than being overawed by the quality of opposition, Hobosch wants his players to concentrate on their own game and force their opponents to find solutions.
The visitors have been placed in Pool A alongside SportPesa National 7s Circuit leaders KCB Rugby, hosts Kenya Harlequin and MMUST Rugby, making their route to the knockout stages a demanding one from the outset.
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Their opening assignment could hardly be more significant. Club Afrique will face hosts Kenya Harlequin at 8:40am on Saturday, before taking on the other pool opponents as they seek to secure a place in the Cup competition.
For Hobosch, however, the target has already been established. Club Afrique want to win every pool match and build their tournament one game at a time.
“The target is to get maximum results which is try and win all our pool games and just take it step by step,” he added.
The captain will have a squad with considerable university rugby experience behind him. The team has been assembled largely from South African collegiate rugby, with players from Walter Sisulu University, the University of the Western Cape and the University of Johannesburg forming part of the travelling contingent.
Hobosch will be assisted in leadership by UJ duo Siphesihle Nkabini and Lukhangele Tshayi, both named vice-captains.
Club Afrique will also benefit from local knowledge on the technical bench. Former Kenya Sevens international and Kenya Harlequin star Eden Agero has joined the coaching setup as assistant coach, working alongside Director of Rugby Patrick Ross-Allen. Agero’s understanding of Kenyan sevens rugby could be particularly useful as the visitors navigate their first taste of the National 7s Circuit.
With South African collegiate talent, a strong leadership group and Kenyan experience within the technical team, Club Afrique enter Christie 7s with ambition rather than caution.
The real test will come when the first whistle goes against Harlequin. Hobosch has made the team’s intention clear: they are not travelling to RFUEA simply to participate. They want maximum results, beginning with a strong performance in Pool A.
Club Afrique Christie 7s squad
Sipho Hobosch (Captain)
Hlumelo Zitha
Siphiwe Mazibuk
Aaron Swarts
Keno Alexander
Simthembile Zozi
Hlomla Ncana
Kelvin Kanenungo
Leachim Adams
Siphesihle Nkabini (Vice-Captain)
Lukhangele Tshayi (Vice-Captain)
Sanele Zungu
Musawenkosi Tshabalala
Technical and management bench
Director of Rugby: Patrick Ross-Allen
Assistant Coach:Eden Agero
Strength & Conditioning: Pierre Bonthuys
Physiotherapist:David Okindo
Team Administrator: Clement Trout
Team Owner: Stanley Omino