Kisumu RFC ready for Dala 7s

Rugby players in action during Dala Sevens at Mamboleo in Kisumu on September 08, 2018. [File, Standard)

Kisumu RFC are keen to improve on their poor Kakamega Sevens run when they host the third leg of the 2019 National Sevens Circuit this weekend.

The newly-promoted Kenya Cup side will host the 14th edition of the Dala Sevens at Mamboleo Showground with the inaugural event held in 2003.

The hosts skipped Kabeberi leg in Meru and will make a return to the Stanbic Bank sponsored seven series where they will face defending champions Mwamba, Impala and championship outfit Northern Suburbs.

Speaking to the Standard Sports, Kisumu coach Dick Osano said they have set a target of reaching the main cup quarterfinals after dismal show during their first outing in Kakamega.

He said despite his team seeded in a tough pool A alongside circuit leaders Mwamba, they are ready for the challenge and looking forward to dazzle home fans.

“We are well prepared to take on the big boys. The team has had enough rest after skipping the Meru leg and they are fresh and eager to go since we will be playing in front of our fans.”

“The pool is a tricky one considering the strong players that Mwamba have but we believe we can make it through to the Main cup quarters and probably finish the circuit in a better position,” he said.

Winning a bowl during the 2009 series stands out as Kisumu's best show in the Dala Sevens, where Nakuru won. They will be out to battle their maiden win at home.

Osano’s Western Bulls counterpart Bram Shikanda also expects an improved performance after guiding his team to winning the Shield final during Kakamega Sevens.

The Echilusi struggled when they hosted the first leg of the six circuits, finishing a distance 13th but Shikanda is confident they can make lightweight of their opponents.

“We missed the Meru leg where we could reflect, focus and blend with the new team. We hope to improve as we head to the Kisumu leg. We will face a tough pool but the players are ready,” he said.

MMUST head coach Ahaya Ochieng remained confident that they will sail through to their third consecutive quarterfinals after impressing in the two legs as, "Bulls pose no threat to us."

“We have had two wonderful fifth-place finish in playoffs and I believe the stage is set for us to win something now. We are a strong side and having stopped Kenya Cup finalist Kabras Sugar in Kakamega, the only threat to us is Oilers,” Ochieng said.

Masinde Muliro lost to Nondies in the Kabeberi Sevens fifth-place playoff and is the highest-ranked university rugby team in the circuit standings.