Teams brace for final dash at Dala 7s

Kabras Sugar's Jacob Okumba flies past a Strathmore University opponent during the Christie Sevens rugby tournament on October 14, 2017 at RFUEA ground. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO |

What you need to know:

  • Tournament hit by withdrawals over security concerns in Kisumu.
  • Series leaders Kabras chase maiden title with Homeboyz and Impala in hot pursuit.
  • Homeboyz coach Paul Murunga said their previous results during the season won’t count in the last leg.

Defending champions Homeboyz, series leaders Kabras Sugar and Impala Saracens head for a sprint finish as the National Sevens Series end with the Dala Sevens at the Mamboleo showground Kisumu this weekend.

The leg has however been hit by team withdrawals over security concerns.

Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) has been forced to overhaul the competition’s programme following the withdrawals of six clubs, namely Kenya Harlequin, Mwamba, Strathmore Leos, Nakuru, Menengai Oilers and Nondescripts.

The teams backed out over the tension surrounding the impending presidential elections.

Kisumu Governor Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o assured participants and fans of enough security following recent anti-Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) demonstrations by opposition coalition, Nasa.

Kabras Sugar, who won Sepetuka and Driftwood Sevens top the Series standings with 85 points followed by Kabeberi Sevens champions Impala Saracens with 80 and Homeboyz, who are both the Series and Dala Sevens champions with 78 points.

Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) who are sixth with 67 points have minimal chances of winning the Series.

WON DRIFTWOOD 7s

Homeboyz, who won the Driftwood competition, launch their final charge against the Masinde Muliro University at 11.30am before meeting University of Eldoret at 2.10pm on Saturday. They will then take on Western Bulls in their last Pool “D” outing at 5.10pm.

Kabras, who finished fourth at last year’s Dala Sevens and are chasing their maiden Series honours, open day one action against Makueni at 9.30am in the Pool “A” clash. They will then face hosts Kisumu at 12.10pm before wrapping up against Daystar at 4.10pm.

Impala will face Webuye before Egerton University and Kisii in Pool “B” while KCB have Kenyatta University’s Blak Blad, Catholic University and Mount Kenya University in Pool C.

Homeboyz might have lost crucial ground in their title defence but victory for them will tilt the scale for their second consecutive Series title. However, the Deejays pray that Kabras and Impala do not reach the semi-finals.

On the other hand, if Impala are to win Dala, their hopes of clinching their first Series victory since 2004 will be pegged on other factors too. Victory will see them bring their tally to 102 points but the Series win will depend on Kabras run.

A victory or final appearance for Kabras will seal them their maiden Series win.

“We are focused on nothing short of a third consecutive victory this season. We are determined to end it cleans and avoid mathematical calculations,” said Kabras forward coach Anthony Ogot, who praised the impact their new head coach Charles Cardovillis has had since joining the team a few months ago. “He is a master of sevens having handled Kenya Sevens team and his influence has been 110 per cent.”

Homeboyz coach Paul Murunga warned their previous results during the season won’t count in the last leg. “We have no otherwise but to retain the Dala title if we are to also keep the Series title,” said Murunga, who will welcome back Cyprian Kuto and Max Kang’eti from injury.

Pool A: Kabras, Daystar, Makueni, Kisumu

Pool B: Impala, Kisii, Webuye, Egerton

Pool C: KCB, Blad, Catholic, MKU Stingers

Pool D: Homeboyz, Bulls, Masinde Muliro, University of Eldoret