THE Silverbacks coach Gerald Nsenga has challenged the team to show that they have come of age by winning the Main Cup of the Hong Kong 10s slated for March 23.The team departs for Hong Kong this evening aboard Kenya airways determined to better last year’s performance were they lost in the plate final to ARC All-Stars, a select side with players from Hong Kong, New Zealand and South Africa.
THE Silverbacks coach Gerald Nsenga has challenged the team to show that they have come of age by winning the Main Cup of the Hong Kong 10s slated for March 23.
The team departs for Hong Kong this evening aboard Kenya airways determined to better last year’s performance were they lost in the plate final to ARC All-Stars, a select side with players from Hong Kong, New Zealand and South Africa.
Although it is only the second time to compete in the renowned tournament, Nsenga is adamant that the team’s meticulous preparations will pay off.
"We have trained hard for this tourney because the players felt they did not give their full potential last year and we believe the hard work will pay off this time,” he said before adding, " I have challenged the team to show that they have the mental strength to win a trophy on foreign soil,” the team’s former fly-half said.
Silverbacks were boosted this week by the recovery of influential center forward and former captain Djuma Adams Mugabo.
24 teams will take part in the one day competition and they include: KIR Club Pyrenees (France) HSBC Penguins, Scatterlings (South Africa) BGC (Asia) Pacific Barbarians (Asia), Irish Vikings (Ireland), Newedge Club (Hong Kong), Hill & Associates Barbarians (Hong Kong), Chairman’s X Hong Kong, China Agricultural University, Australian Country rugby club, Australia 11 Overseas Old Boys, HKFC Dragons, Borneo Eagles (Indonesia),Samurai’s Worldwide, Lloyd McDermott X (Australia), Tradition Valley (Hong Kong), Wanchai Wanderers (Wales),Pakaranga Green (New Zealand) Pakaranga Orange (New Zealand), Niue Wanderers Niue, Wild Titans (Germany) New Zealand Legends (New Zealand) PLA China Playmore Devils Advocate (Hong Kong).
The Hong Kong 10s started in 1986 as a social rugby tournament at the home of the Hong Kong Sevens to commemorate the centenary of the Hong Kong Football Club.
It has since grown into a world class tournament that is recognized as the Premier Tens Tournament in the world, attracting top players and teams from around the globe.
The event offers an opportunity for club and international players from both hemispheres to play against each other, compare styles and skills, and to make off-field friendships. There are few opportunities outside of official internationals and Tournaments where such "north-south” games can be played.
Silverbacks squad:
Jean Baptist Itanzi, Djuma Adams Mugabo, Benjamine Makombe, Didier Kamanzi, Jean Leonard Twizeyimana, Sylvain Nkurunziza, Eric Mbarushimana, Moise Habumugisha, Felix Nsengimana, Lucien Bikamba, Kevin Makmot, Olivier Uwamahoro, Aime Ndahirwa , Marcel Koko Cambara, player (vice captain) and Vincent Kamali (captain).
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