So far in this year's 2010/11 HSBC Sevens World Series, Kenya have won just one of their six pool matches at the opening two legs in Dubai and South Africa.
Despite winning the Shield final in Dubai, their failure to reach the Cup knock-out stages at either tournament leaves them with no Series points for the first time since the 2006/07 season.
Having built a reputation in the past few years as a side that can, on their day, beat anyone, their captain Humphrey Kayange is looking for his side to get back to their best, starting at the Westpac Stadium this weekend.
"Our preparation for Dubai and South Africa wasn't as good as we have had in the last couple of years, where we have played well in the Series," said Kayange.
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"Personally for us and the team this tournament is about getting to that level we have played in the past, which will be good for the Series going forward.
"Currently we have no points in the Series so that is a good motivation for us as players to get those points. We haven't started our season very well but we have worked hard on kick-starting our campaign in the Series and getting some points here."
Kenya will be buoyed by the fact they have reached the NZI Sevens Cup quarter finals in three of the four previous years and progressed to the semi finals in 2009 but will have to hit the ground running when the tournament begins on 4 February.
Experience returns
The inclusion of the experienced trio of Collins Injera, Biko Adema and Sidney Ashioya, who all missed the opening two legs, will also boost the Kenyan side as they face pool matches against the reigning World Series champions Samoa, Australia and Tonga on day one.
"It is a very difficult, physical and fast pool for us on the first day," added Kayange.
"We are looking to qualify for the second day, which means winning at least two of our pool games. For us we are waiting for the tournament to begin and we are going out for the win.
"Having Sidney, Biko and Collins back is a big motivation to the squad. I think they really bring the wealth of experience that we need and missed [in Dubai and South Africa].
"When the crunch time is there the big players really need to step up and they have shown they can do so in the past. They bring that experience and guidance to the other players who look up to them."
There is one further factor to consider according to Kayange, though, as Kenya always look to pay back the support they receive around the world with something to celebrate.
"Wellington is a special ground for us and we are going to go out and play with the support we have.
"I think for the number of fans that we have who believe in us through and through it will be good reward for them for their effort, time and support they have given the team over the years."
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