Defending National Sevens Circuit champions KCB RFC have shifted their focus to improving discipline and building combinations ahead of this weekend’s Kabeberi Sevens after a disappointing outing at the Dala Sevens.
The bankers saw their hopes of retaining the Dala title go up in flames after losing to Kenya Harlequin 14-12 in a dramatic Main Cup quarter-final.
KCB finished the match with just five players following two red cards, a setback coach Andrew Amonde believes proved decisive.
“We have to go back to the drawing board with regards to our discipline. To lose two players in a high-stakes quarter-final is not ideal. We left ourselves short in that match, so it’s something the players have to take ownership of and ensure we are seven players at all times,” said Amonde.
The former Kenya Sevens captain also admitted that the integration of new players has affected the team’s cohesion but remains confident the combinations will improve with time.
“We have also brought a couple of new players into the side, and the combinations will take time to gel. This is just a learning curve. We are experimenting with our line-ups to ensure we get the best out of each player, and so it will take time,” he added.
The defeat saw KCB slip to second on the overall standings with 35 points, six behind Dala Sevens champions Kabras Sugar. Despite the setback, Amonde believes his experienced squad has what it takes to bounce back.
“It’s still early days. We can polish up and improve in all facets of our play, remain confident in our structures and be competitive in the next leg,” he said.
Amonde, however, expressed frustration with the standard of officiating in the opening two rounds of the circuit. “I’m not the only one unhappy. If you talk to most coaches, they’ll tell you it’s been poor. I told my players last week in Nakuru to play above the referee, and we won. I have submitted my complaints to the relevant people, but nothing has been done so far. I hope it will improve going forward,” he observed.
KCB face a stern challenge at the Kabeberi Sevens after being drawn in the tournament’s toughest pool. The bankers will battle rivals Kabras Sugar, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST), and Nakuru RFC in Pool D.
Pool A features Kenya Harlequin, Impala, Daystar Falcons and Kisumu RFC, while hosts Mwamba are grouped with Strathmore Leos, Nondies and Catholic University Monks in Pool B.
Dala Sevens runners-up Menengai Oilers headline Pool C alongside Zetech Oaks, Blak Blad and Mombasa Sports Club.
