The race for the national sevens title resumes this weekend at RFUEA Ground with the Kabeberi Sevens expected to provide another fiercely contested two days of action as the series reaches the halfway mark.
After a two-week break, the leading contenders will renew hostilities, with Dala Sevens champions Kabras facing a stern test in Pool D alongside KCB, Nakuru and Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST).
Kabras Sevens coach Ntabeni Dukisa has rejigged his squad, with Kenya Sevens internationals Kevin Wekesa, Brian Tanga and Jone Kubi expected to feature. The Sugarmillers open their campaign against neighbours MMUST before facing Nakuru and then KCB in their final pool match.
Dukisa believes his charges can carry their momentum from Kisumu into the Kabeberi tournament. “The boys are in good shape and in high spirits after winning Dala Sevens two weeks ago. We want to carry the momentum from Kisumu to this weekend. It is a tricky pool, but with the experience we have brought in and some of our young talent, I hope we can go on a good run and win the tournament,” said Dukisa.
Dala Sevens runners-up Menengai Oilers will also be seeking to go one better after being drawn in Pool C alongside Black Blad, Zetech Oaks and Mombasa Sports Club. Coach Geoffrey Ominde is confident his side can build on their impressive showing in Kisumu. “We came up short in the final against Kabras, but I loved the performance of the team, and I hope we can go all the way,” said Ominde.
Quins headline Pool A and will meet neighbours Impala, Daystar Falcons and Kisumu RFC, while hosts Mwamba have been drawn in Pool B alongside Strathmore Leos, Nondies and Catholic University Monks.
Mwamba coach Paul Murunga will be banking on his side’s fitness and tactical nous as they seek to make the most of home advantage. “It is a home event for us, and we want to perform well. The boys are relishing the battle,” said Murunga.
The top two teams in each pool will advance to the quarter-finals, while those finishing third and fourth will drop into the classification category.
