Defending champions KCB eye Kakamega Sevens title

KCB winger Jacob Ojee in action during the Kakamega Sevens.[Washington Onyango,Standard] 

Defending champions KCB on Saturday booked a place in the quarterfinals of the ongoing Kakamega Sevens rugby after finishing unbeaten in the day one events played at the Bull Ring in Kakamega County.

The bankers beat varsity side Daystar Falcons 17-12 in their opening match of the day before thrashing another varsity side Kabarak University 32-5 in the afternoon to qualify for the quarterfinals with a game to spare.

KCB got the bragging rights against their perennial rivals Kabras Sugar by recording a hard fought 14-7 victory to pick up their third straight win in Group D as they finished top.

The team received a massive boost following the return of winger Jacob Ojee, scrum-half Samuel Asati and forward Martin Owilla after their outing with the Kenya Fifteens national team (Simbas). 

Speaking after match day one, KCB RFC head coach Dennis Mwanja exhibited confidence in the squad going into the quarter-finals. He expressed his desire to see the team win the Kakamega Sevens edition to defend their National Sevens Circuit title.

“I am really happy with the wins today. The boys played well today and have shown a great desire to win this tournament. With the return of our players from the national team, we believe we’re better placed to win this edition. Considering this is the last leg of the circuit, we have to go all the way to the finals.” Mwanja said.  

KCB won the opening leg of the National Sevens Circuit and so far, have gathered 90points, 4 behind Circuit leaders Nakuru-based side, Menengai Oilers. Strathmore Leos are currently sitting third with 85points.

Winger Jacob Ojee who joined the team on Wednesday after their stint with Simbas in the rugby World Cup qualifiers and who was the most valuable player in the Kabeberi Sevens tournament reckons the bankers are hungry for silverware.

“I am elated with the boys’ performances in this circuit. They have fought so hard against well-organized sides. We need to minimize errors in the quarterfinals to be better placed to reach the finals. As a team, we are taking one game at a time and hopefully win the circuit in the end,” said Ojee