Strathmore Leos skipper Gabriel Ayimba makes a last-ditch tackle on Elvis Olukusi during the Driftwood sevens title last year/HANDOUTThe race for the National Sevens Circuit kicks off today with the Prinsloo Sevens tournament at the Nakuru Athletic Club (NAC).
Defending Prinsloo champions, Strathmore Leos, will be looking to dethrone overall circuit titleholders KCB in what promises to be a hotly contested six-week series.
Willis Ojal’s Strathmore side is drawn in Pool B alongside varsity rivals Daystar Falcons, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST), and Kisumu RFC.
Ojal said his team enjoyed robust pre-season preparations, which culminated in a victory at the Riff and Tuff tournament two weeks ago at the Ngong' Racecourse.
“It’s been a good pre-season. Now we go out to execute what we’ve worked on in training and aim to defend the title we won last year,” said Ojal.
The tactician acknowledged the challenge ahead, warning that his side must stay sharp from the opening whistle.
“The first matches are usually the toughest, so we have to be at our best, treat every opponent with respect, and play to our strengths,” he said.
Ojal boasts an experienced lineup featuring skipper Gabriel Ayimba, Victor Mola, Samuel Wafula, Stanislas Shikoli and Brian Mwenda.
Meanwhile, star-studded KCB enter the series as overall favourites. Head coach Andrew Amonde has added depth to an already formidable squad by signing Nygel Amaitsa and Davis Nyangige. They join Kenya Sevens stars Samuel Asati, skipper Vincent Onyala, George Ooro, Elvis Olukusi, and Levy Amunga. KCB will face Catholic University Monks, NYS Spades and Nondies in Pool C.
Kabras Sugar, who last won the overall circuit title in 2017, will be aiming for a strong start in a tricky Pool A alongside Kenya Harlequin and Mwamba.
After slow starts derailed their campaigns over the last two seasons, Kabras coach Carlos Katywa believes a fast opening round in Nakuru could help them push KCB and Strathmore all the way:
“We have been slow starters for the last two seasons, so I hope we can hit the ground running and go deep in Nakuru. Our squad is a blend of youth and experience and we are looking forward to a great tournament.”
Elsewhere, Menengai Oilers—featuring stars Dennis Abukuse, John Okoth, and Beldad Ogeta—headline Pool D, where they face cross-town rivals Nakuru RFC, Impala, and Blak Blad.
