Cheetahs coach lifts the lid on calculated moves that led to Kenya super series win

The bouncing back of the rugby Super series after a decade-long hiatus was great news for rugby enthusiasts in Nakuru.

To add the cherry on the cake, Menengai Cream cheetahs clinched the coveted title.

Mtaa Wangu caught up with Cheetahs head coach, Lawi Buyachi, to get his view on the great performance, as the team continued to soak in their weekend victory over KCB Lions.

Seated at the Nakuru Athletics Club (NAC) overlooking the rugby pitch, Buyachi admits it has been amazing leading the boys to their victory, noting that leading them against formidable opponents was no mean feat.

“The Franchise composition had a good number of boys from Nakuru. This played to our advantage as we had ample time to see the boys and prepare them mentally and physically. Before the team management was announced we were already rolling the ball,” he says as he explains the competitive edge they had as they went into the series.

Further, Buyachi notes that the combination of players already in the Simba set up and the under 20 players coming back from Harare (Philip Okeyo and Alvin Khavoli) solidified the team.

Interestingly, Buyachi highlights how the team used data and technological tools to study the other franchises and put together a solid plan on how to attack.

From studying clips of the other teams to being bold enough to make risky technical decisions, Cheetahs were ready to go all out. It was all or nothing.

"The change of the captain on Match Day 3 from Ibrahim Ayo to Amos Obae was a technical decision. We needed someone who could take the team all through. Ayo is good but Obae is more energetic. It was a risky move that paid off," Buyachi explains.

Buyachi admits that players who got a call to the franchise had a great platform to showcase their talent whilst learning from others.

 “In an elite set up like Cheetahs, players meet their equal match. It is a humbling experience that allows players to learn best practices which they can take back to their clubs hence improve their teams,” he says.

Despite having a successful run in the series, Buyachi notes that there is need for the management to improve the welfare of the players.

"There were times we were forced to go into our pockets and support some of the players, something that should not be happening. It's my hope that this is looked into as it affects the morale of the players," he notes.

Getting into the intricacies of the call up to the national team, Buyachi notes that he believes all the players who participated in the Cheetahs play deserve a spot at Simba, but reality may not align with that.

“My expectation is to see boys like Obae and Felix on board. I think 60 percent of my players have the potential to cut for the national team,” he says.

Interestingly, Buyachi notes that his highlight of the series was his mother showing up at the RFUEA Grounds minutes before the final game.

“The joy of seeing my mum watching me after our victory alongside my nephews was overwhelming. They have been fundamental in my journey. Seeing them on that day was heart-warming,” he says smiling.

Buyachi concludes by saying that his biggest takeaway from the entire experience was humility.

“I have had to learn how to stay humble after a big success while sticking to my true self.”