Kenya coach Benjamin Ayimba and his side are fired up ahead of their opening match at the Emirates Airline South Africa Sevens, which pits them against defending Series and George champions and winners last weekend, New Zealand.

"The team is upbeat, especially after a good start in Dubai," Ayimba said. "We made some mistakes [in Dubai] and are working on how to minimize them here."

The Kenyans enjoyed a solid start to the season in Dubai, beating fancied Wales to reach the Cup quarter finals, but with the kiwis, England and shield winners Zimbabwe in Pool A alongside them, they face a tough task.

"We have never beaten New Zealand, while Zimbabwe beat us in the Safari Sevens," admitted Ayimba. "England reached the semi final in Dubai with a newly assembled team, which gives you an idea of what we are up against."

Assistant coach and team manager Felix Ochieng is another of the former international Sevens players in the Kenyan managerial set-up and his involvement, alongside Ayimba and the likes of Oscar Osir Osula adds another string to the Kenyan bow.

"At this level it is important not to give any inch against any team," Ochieng commented. "New Zealand are quite good in recycling the ball and playing in several phases."

"The target is to reach every main Cup quarter final of every tournament this season," said Ayimba. "That has not changed and we have a chance of reaching a few semi finals and winning at least one tournament.

"Look at the players we have left back at home, who are equally good. Our new sponsor Virgin Atlantic Airways is a big blessing because we are able to fly in new players in case of injury," he added.

The number of African teams in the second leg is increased to five after Uganda replaced Arabian Gulf in the draw. John Musoke has taken over as Uganda coach from former Kenya scrum-half Tolbert Onyango. The other African sides in the draw are hosts South Africa, Zimbabwe and Tunisia.