Nygel Amaitsa breaks away from Masinde Muliro opponent during the Dala Sevens/HANDOUTThe race for the SportPesa National Sevens Series intensifies this weekend as the rugby caravan moves to Mombasa for the Driftwood Sevens.
Fresh off retaining the Kabeberi Sevens crown last weekend, KCB aim to defend their Driftwood title, which they won last year after defeating Strathmore 15-14 in the final.
Head coach Andrew Amonde’s charges are in a competitive Pool B alongside Blak Blad, Kisumu RFC and guests Emerging Uganda.
Amonde remains cautious of the competition, particularly the Ugandan squad.
“We are up against a quality Ugandan side packed with internationals,” noted Amonde. “Blak Blad pushed us very close last weekend at Kabeberi and Kisumu are certainly no pushovers.”
This tournament marks the final appearance of key players George Ooro, Samuel Asati, Vincent Onyala, and Nygel Amaitsa before they head to Europe next month for the Ultimate Sevens Championship.
Amonde acknowledges the impact on squad depth: “With these players away next month, our depth will be thoroughly tested for the final two circuit tournaments.”
Kabras Sugar, currently second on the overall series log with 51 points, will be seeking redemption following an early quarterfinal exit at Kabeberi.
Drawn in Pool A alongside Kenya Harlequin, Nondescripts and hosts Mombasa Sports Club (MSC), the Kakamega-based side has recalled youngsters Ray Olindi and Jackson Siketa to bolster a lineup featuring Kevin Wekesa, Patrick Lumumba and Brian Tanga.
Meanwhile, Kabeberi Sevens runners-up Strathmore Leos hope to go one step further. They head Pool D alongside Mwamba RFC, Masinde Muliro University and Division Two winners NYS Spades.
Coach Willis ‘Toxxy’ Ojal expressed confidence following their performance in last weekend’s final: “We proved our quality last week and we are relishing the battle ahead.”
Menengai Oilers headline Pool C, where they will face Daystar Falcons, Nakuru RFC and Kilifi RFC.
Oilers Sevens coach Geoffrey Ominde highlighted defence as a key focus area following a semifinal exit last weekend.
“We need to improve our defensive alignment. We will take it one game at a time in Mombasa and hope to go all the way," he said.
The top two teams from each pool will advance to Sunday’s quarterfinals.
