Dala Sevens preparations in top gear

Paul Abuto and Mawira Were of Harlequins sandwich Jack Ojey of KCB during a Cup Quarter game at the Mamboleo Showground in Kisumu. PHOTO BY PHILLIP ORWA/STANDARD

Preparations for Dala Rugby Sevens, the fourth leg of the National Sevens Series, are in top gear in Kisumu.

According to Jack Kisero, the chairman of the host club, Kisumu RFC, and secretary Fredrick Maube, plans are underway for a memorable tournament.

Maube said they were leaving nothing to chance to ensure that they staged a perfect 11th edition of the tournament starting tomorrow and ending on Sunday.

“We have already started watering the ground and marking the pitches in readiness for action," said Maube. We are pleased and privileged that rugby is back in Kisumu. This is the home of rugby and we are ready to host the event.”

Kisero, who is also the Dala Sevens chairman, said they were in the process of transforming the event into a national festival.

Dala Sevens got a shot in the arm from Vivo Energy who pumped in sponsorship worth Sh1 million for the event, joining Kisumu County as the organiser’s partners. The National Sevens Series had taken a two-week break after three legs of captivating action in Nakuru (Prinsloo), Nairobi (Kabeberi) and Mombasa (Driftwood), which were won by three different teams.

Series leaders Homeboyz clinched the first leg in Nakuru before losing to Impala and Kenya Harlequins in Kabeberi and Driftwood respectively. Series champions Nakuru RFC have been drawn in Pool A alongside Kenya Harlequins who they beat 15-14 in last year’s cup final. Other teams in Pool A are Kenyatta University’s Blak Blad and Comras.

The tournament kicks off tomorrow with Division Two action before paving the way for the main tourney.