Mwamba forward Douglas Opani in a past match /HANDOUT 

 Game management and smart decision-making will be key as log leaders Mwamba RFC enter a crucial phase of the Kenya Rugby Union Championship season.

Coached by Paul Murunga, Mwamba top the standings with 40 points, with their final match of the regular season coming against a revitalised South Coast Pirates on Saturday. The fixture will be pivotal in determining playoff seeding.

“It will be a tough game, and we are at a stage of the competition where every point counts,” Murunga said. “Our game management, playing in the right zones, decision-making — knowing what to do with the ball at any given time — and dominating the set-piece will be vital.”

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Mwamba, popularly known as Kulabu, were relegated from the Kenya Cup last season. Murunga, who joined the club during pre-season, praised his team’s resilience and maturity.

“The boys have been superb from the first match up to now. Naturally, they were disappointed in being relegated, but they have rolled up their sleeves and worked hard. We hope that in these three weeks we can gain promotion,” he noted.

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Historically, Mwamba struggled in the set-piece, particularly in the scrum and line-out against more physical sides. Murunga, a former KCB and Simbas second row, has worked to improve that area.

“In the past, they struggled against the more physical sides like Kabras, Oilers, and KCB, but I and the technical bench have made tweaks to their play, added more size, and the forwards are carrying the ball more,” he explained.

Murunga added, “When we get a penalty, we now opt to kick to the corner or take the three points instead of running from everywhere. We have learnt to play tactical and smart rugby, and it’s paying dividends.”

The club bolstered their ranks mid-season by signing Amos Bwambok (Impala back-row) and fly-half Gideon Makumi, both of whom have blended seamlessly with the team. The top six teams in the championship qualify for the season-ending playoffs, with the top two advancing to the semifinals while positions three to six fight for a spot in the last four. The two finalists will earn promotion to the Kenya Cup next season.