All roads lead to Kisumu this weekend for the opening leg of the 2023 National Sevens Circuit, the Dala Sevens, set to be hosted by Kisumu RFC, at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium.
An absolute feast will be on offer, from soothing music, inviting nyama choma, good rugby to a bevvy of ladies. This is it. On Saturday, it will be nothing but action at Mamboleo Stadium.
Kisumu Rugby head coach Lawrence Buyachi said they are working to deliver a memorable tournament.
Buyachi said they not only want to entertain fans on the pitch, but also want to make them feel more than home with an experience to die for.
"We want to captivate the senses of fans and awe them with the beauty of the game. It's exciting times for Dala 7s, always sets the bar high. As hosts, we want to set the bar quite high. This one is going to be huge and massive. To our amazing fans and rugby enthusiasts out there, come out in droves for an exciting Dala7s," said Buyachi.
The former Kabras Sugar player said their preseason has just begun.
"Our main objective for this year's circuit is purely exposure for our boys. We have a young squad that hasn't featured in any top flight event. We see this as a great opportunity for the boys to showcase what they have and pick valuable lessons while at it."
"Mamboleo is always a great hunting ground for the brave hearts and this year won't be any different. The pooling is out and we play Strathmore, Kabras and Daystar Falcons; it will be a tough one but we will have to be brave and stay in the fights. The preparations have been top notch with couple of friendlies and I believe the lads are ready to put up a show," added Buyachi.
Dala Sevens was set to be the second leg of the 2023 National 7s circuit after the inaugural edition of Tisap 7s set for Eldoret on July 24 and 25, but it was postponed to pave way for the World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally.
The tactician also reflected on the team's steady growth, noting that since they gained promotion to the top tier, they have caught the eyes of several investors.
Kisumu RFC was promoted to the Kenya Cup side after defeating Daystar University Falcons 19-7 in a Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) Championship semifinal match played at the Strathmore University grounds in March.
The 2022 Dala 7s edition saw Homeboyz beat Menengai Oilers 19-14 to win the Dala 7s title.
In this year's edition, defending circuit champions Menengai Oilers are the top seeds in Group A alongside city rivals Nakuru, Nondescripts and Catholic Monks.
Last season's NSC runner-up KCB headline Group B that also features Kenya Harlequin, Masinde Muliro and Mombasa, while Strathmore Leos are in Group C with Kabras Sugar, Daystar Falcons and hosts Kisumu.
Kisumu RFC Secretary General Jaycox Mwavali said they are very keen on matters safety and security are concerned and they have taken into consideration measures to ensure everyone who come to DALA is safe.
"We have engaged the Kenya Police service, the NYS and engaged a private security firm G4S including other measures that I can't pronounce for intelligence purposes. The lighting is more than sufficient as we have floodlights which will light the venue and the village adequately," Mwavali said.
On entertainment, Mwavali said they have collaborated with EABL to put in place adequate measures to make sure all the guests are happy.
"We will have creme de la creme DJ'S & MC'S both local and national who are going to grace the occasion. We will have lot's of food and drinks (both soft & hard) in variety to make our guests have a wide range to choose from.
"It also doubles up as a family fun day where parents are also encouraged to bring their kids as we will have kids corner to entertain the young ones," he said.
"As we host this 18th edition of Dala Sevens, we expect a big turn out as we are hosting 40 teams from across the country playing both in Division One and Two.
"Just after the Vasha Safari Rally which concluded just recently, Dala is the next big thing to look up to as far as sporting and entertainment is concerned.
"We urge everyone to make a date with us and come and have a lifetime moment worth experiencing and remembering."
