Nakuru launch Prinsloo 7s title bid against Makueni lads

Nakuru RFC players train at the Nakuru Athletics Club for this year’s Prinsloo Sevens which starts on August 29, 2015. PHOTO | SULEIMAN MBATIAH |

What you need to know:

  • Wanyore on parade
  • Nakuru, winners of the Dala Sevens, will then take on Blak Blad before facing Impala Saracen in a crunchy duel that is expected to decide pool “B” leadership.

Hosts Nakuru launch their quest for their second National Sevens Series victory this season against newcomers Makueni at the Prinsloo Sevens on Saturday at the Nakuru Athletics Club.

Nakuru, winners of the Dala Sevens, will then take on Blak Blad before facing Impala Saracen in a crunchy duel that is expected to decide pool “B” leadership.

Nakuru beat Series champions KCB 15-14 to lift Dala Sevens before losing to a resurgent Mwamba 0-29 in the Driftwood Sevens final last weekend.

Despite the heavy loss to Mwamba, Nakuru, the Plate semi-finalists at Christie Sevens, rose to the top of the National Series standings with 54 points.

Nakuru coach Gibson Weru will lead his charges in the hunt for victory after they lost to Series champions KCB 26-10 in last year’s final of Prinsloo Sevens.

Weru has bolstered his squad with former Kenya 15s skipper Edwin Makori and the enterprising Philip Owuor. The return of Dala Sevens hero David Kivuti should strengthen the side that is sponsored by Top Fry.

NEW FACES

Mwamba, who have brought into their squad two new faces, Felix Otieno and Alfred Mutahi in place of workhorse Joseph Oriwo and Mike Okima, take on Mount Kenya University (Thika) in pool ‘A’.

Kulabu and Western Bulls will then renew their rivalry in the pool, which also has Kabras Sugar. Mwamba thrashed Bulls 33-5 to take bronze at last year’s Prisnloo Sevens and the two will again face off in the “pool of death”.

Mwamba skipper Dan Sikuta has hailed the intense competition at the club and welcomed Otieno and Mutahi to the big stage. “The two boys have been working hard in training and have had an excellent attitude. It’s no surprise that coach (John Mbai) selected them,” said Sikuta.

Mwamba will again rely on Kenya Sevens internationals Sikuta, Humphrey Kayange, Collins Injera and Horace Otieno. Others to watch are Martin Wanjia, Brad Owako, Hyke Otieno and Mike Okima who were equally as good in Driftwood.

Western Bulls looked solid with the return of Davis Chenge, while new head coach Howard Okwemba has revamped the side.

Strathmore Leos, 2009 Prinsloo champions, headline Pool C where they will battle Christie Sevens winners Kenya Harlequin, the Catholic Monks and Kisumu. Strathmore and Quins are expected to ease to the main Cup quarters from the group. The return of Isaac Adimo for the injured Eden Agero, alongside Dennis Muhanji adds an interesting tilt to the pool.

MAIN DRAW

Pool A: Mwamba, Western Bulls, Kabras Sugar, MKU Thika

Pool B: Nakuru, Impala Saracens, Blak Blad, Makueni

Pool C: Strathmore Leos, Kenya Harlequin, Catholic Monks, Kisumu

Pool D: Homeboyz, KCB, Kisii, Total Nondies