United States International University –Africa (USIU-1) coach Tom Lagat is confident of an improved performance in the third edition of the Federation of Africa University Sports (FASU) rugby 7’s scheduled for this weekend in Kampala, Uganda.

In last year’s edition, USIU-A’s Matials were eliminated in the semi-finals but Lagat says he is targeting the finals.

“Our main target is to get to the final, but first things first and we have to get to the knockout stages. We are keenly waiting for the draws so that we prepare comprehensively,” Lagat told the Star from Kampala.

He added: “Last year, we lost at the quarterfinals level but this time, we are more prepared for the battle and we know what to expect.”

Lagat is expected to unleash new signings Basil Ndinya and Cedric Orenje who signed from Daystar University. Other new faces to watch include Denzel Washington who joined from Maseno School, Patrick Kiprono, and Samuel Koliech. “They will get their first FASU starts,” Lagat revealed.

He expects stiff competition from defending champions the University of Johannesburg, the University of Pretoria, Stellenbosch University, and hosts Makerere University.

USIU-A used the National Sevens Circuit events Tisap and Kabeberi to prepare for the competition.

Kenya Cup side Kenyatta University and KRU Championship side Daystar University are also expected to take part from Kenya.

The tournament will also feature lawn tennis. Kisii University will field a team in the Tennis Slam, according to sports tutor David Obungu.

Uganda has hosted the last three editions and Lagat says USIU-A is keen to bid for the next two editions.