Oaks optimistic of towering performance on return to Floodies tournament

Zetech Oaks head coach Ramsfield Matekwa is optimistic that his team will perform well as they return to the Impala Floodlit tournament this weekend.

Oaks gained direct qualification back to the KRU Championship after suffering relegation to the nationwide league a season ago.

They are in the varsity category where they will face Kabete Stallions in their quarter-final clash, and Matekwa says the good performance in the Sevens circuit will help boost the team's morale.

“We are grateful to have this opportunity of getting into the Floodlit. We’ve been preparing a lot because it’s one of the games that will give us more of a friendly into the preparations for the championship and the boys are ready. It’s another chance to also know how new players are incorporating with the rest of the team, so we are ready to perform,” noted Matekwa.

“The boys are ready. Actually, from the good performance of the team in the Sevens, the 15s guys have had to step up and ensure the name of the team is still up there,” he added.

Matekwa says this will form part of their preparations ahead of the start of the new championship season and he hopes his charges will go deep into the tourney to further condition the players.

“It’s more of a preparation for the championship; actually, it’s also another good week to know how new players have blended in and also to introduce new players who've grown to the stature of playing in the championship.”

In other varsity category clashes, JKUAT will face Daystar, Impala Boks will battle KCA while a combined team of Rift varsities will tackle USIU.