TIME TO GET IN THE GROOVE: Homeboyz seek to do well in Driftwood 7s

Menengai Cream Homeboyz Rugby players celebarte after winning the Prinsloo sevens at Nakuru Athletics Club on Agust 7,2016.PHOTO:KIPSANG JOSEPH

National Sevens Circuit leaders Homeboyz RFC are looking forward to bouncing back from last weekend’s disappointing Kabeberi Sevens when the Driftwood Sevens kicks off this morning, at Mbaraki Sports Club, Mombasa.

The Deejays, who lost to Impala last weekend, started the campaign on a positive note by winning the Prinsloo Sevens, but conceded a sudden death try in their 19-14 Kabeberi final defeat to joint league leaders Impala RFC (41 points), whom they have edged out on better try difference.

However, having been drawn in a relatively easier Pool B against Kenya Commercial Bank, Kisii and Mombasa RFC, the Homeboyz coach Simon Odongo believes his players have a character to get their campaign back on track.

“It is unfortunate that we lost, but that doesn’t mean we played poorly. I think we are still on the right track. We are still determined to win the circuit, but that means we have to collect maximum points in the remaining legs starting with Driftwood,” Odongo said.

Apart from Olympiads Oscar Ayodi, Bush Mwale and Augustine Lugonzo, Homeboyz will have to do without the services of Leonard Mugaisi and Cyprian Kuto who have been called up to the national 15s team ahead of Tuesday’s international friendly against visiting Hong Kong.

But just like Homeboyz, Impala have also outlined their season’s target and are ready to battle it out till the end.

The Sarries head coach Nick Abok is aware of the task lying ahead of them and has warned his players against allowing any form of complacency slip into their game.

“I know teams will be hard on us and nobody will give us a chance. But we just need to forget about Kabeberi exploits and focus on the upcoming legs,” said Abok.

“It is still too early to talk about the title. We will take one game at a time and hopefully implement everything we have learnt. From there, everything is possible.”

Impala headlines Pool A which has Nakuru, Blak Blad and Makueni RFC.

Meanwhile, Driftwood champions Mwamba RFC have announced a one-year strategic partnership with bus company Modern Coast.

Through the partnership, Modern Coast will sponsor the club financially as well as provide a branded bus to transport players and officials during local tournaments and league matches.

“We are delighted with our partnership with Mwamba RFC, as a leader in the transport industry it is very exciting to be partnering with one of the best sports teams in our region,” Jervis Sundays, the Modern Coast Public Relations and Communications Manager said.