KCB shifts focus to Prinsloo Sevens after finishing third in Mombasa

KCB captain Vincent Onyala in action.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

KCB head coach Andrew Amonde says his team has shifted focus to the third leg of the 2023 National Sevens Circuit slated for next month in Nakuru.

The Dala Sevens winners finished third in the concluded Driftwood Sevens Rugby Tournament in Mombasa after losing 12-17 to Menengai Oilers in the semi-finals.

The bankers defeated varsity side Strathmore Leos 29-12 in a third playoff match at the Mombasa Sports Club in a pulsating encounter this afternoon.

“We made costly mistakes in the semis knocking the ball a couple of times and poor handling of the ball made the team pay after the final whistle. We have been exceptional in this competition despite our loss to a worthy opponent. It is now time to strategize, regroup and plan for the upcoming Prinsloo Sevens which is just three weeks away,” said Amonde after the concluded tournament.

KCB, who won all its matches on its way to the knockout stages earlier today thrashed Kisumu RFC 31-0 in the quarterfinals before faltering in the semis against the Nakuru-based side.

Siblings Menengai Oilers and sugar millers Kabras locked horns in the riveting final that kept fans holding their breaths many times but the latter would have the upper hand after a converted penalty by Fijian Jone Kubu at the death.

“We have to work on how we handle the ball, how we defend and play without it to be able to compete at the highest level. Our players are aware of what we must do at the training and what I demand from them so right now it’s back to the drawing board, but I can assure our fans that KCB RFC will bounce back in the remaining legs of the circuit,” added Amonde.

Shujaa’s Denis Abukuse who plays for Menengai Oilers was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament after his impressive and consistent performances throughout the competition.