Strathmore Leos have suffered a blow following news that winger Brunson Madigu has been ruled out for the final two tournaments of the National Sevens Series due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
Madigu suffered the injury during the Prinsloo Sevens in Nakuru and is set to undergo surgery on Friday.
He will be out for six months meaning he will also miss the start of the Kenya Cup in November.
Head coach Louis Kisia said the rest of the team has to step up in his absence.
“It's unfortunate but it has happened and we soldier on. We have a big squad of players to choose from as we head for the final two tournaments in Eldoret and Nairobi," added Kisia.
Kisia will be keeping an eye on speedster Victor Mola, who missed the final against KCB at Christie Sevens.
“Victor has an issue with a hamstring but I don't think it's serious. The physios and doctors have told us he needs rest and so we will monitor him for the next fortnight. I hope is fit for the next leg in Eldoret," said Kisia.
The former Mwamba tactician said he was satisfied with his players' display against KCB, despite succumbing 17-12 at the RFUEA ground last weekend.
"Mentally, the boys overcame the block of losing in the semifinal so it shows we can win one of the two tournaments. We are on the right trajectory," observed Kisia.
Leos reached the semis at the Dala and Driftwoods legs before finishing fifth in Nakuru. They sit third on the standings with 63 points, 17 behind leaders Kabras Sugar.
Kisia added: "The margin of winning a tournament is very small. If we tweak our attack and defence patterns and be more solid in the setpiece, then we can bag a leg of the series.”
The impressive displays have seen four of their players called up to the Kenya Sevens training squad of 35. These are skipper Barnabas Owuor, George Ooro, Nigel Amaitsa and Victor Odhiambo.
