Nakuru RFC hungry for more at Masaku Sevens

By BS Mulavi

Mengai Oil Nakuru RFC have thrown down the gauntlet as they kick off their Masaku Sevens campaign in Machakos today.

Last year’s tournament was marked by dominance between defending champions Kenya Harlequin and former Kenya National Sevens circuit champions Mwamba, but this year the field has been blown open with six major teams expect in the tournament.

Apart from the two, the other favourites in this year’s tournament are world renowned British Army, Kobs of Uganda and a surprise package in Kabras which features a host of former Kenya national sevens’ team members and finally Kenya Cup champions Nakuru RFC.

According to head coach Dominique Habimana, Nakuru has what it takes to scoop the title, which will give them a major boost ahead of the Safaricom National Sevens circuit that kicks off in the first weekend of August at the Dala Sevens in Kisumu.

No Big Stars

Habimana has clarified that he will not be fielding some of the biggest stars in his squad, but he feels the boys that will take to the pitch on the given day have what it takes to contend against any team theywill play

“Every team is preparing for the national circuit and this tournament acts as good prepapration ground for such teams,” he said.

“The circuit will be quite long and hence the team with best depth stands a better chance of winning the overall title,” Habimana said.

“We intend to find out which players can play in the senior team, and thus build depth and gain some much valued experience before we embark on the arduous journey through the circuit,” he explained.

War Trumpets

Nakuru are not the only team to have blown the war trumpet, but also has the defending champions Kenya Harlequin who earlier in the week, had claimed through their head coach Charles Cardovillies that they will not seat back and let their title go.

Even University teams like Nazarene and Catholic Universities have raised their arms up to be counted with Nazarene Coach Joe Abala sounding bullish by saying, “We have built this team for the past three years and we want to make a mark in this tournament.

“We want to show that rugby is not dead in Nazarene and hopefully get some more support from the administration and also attract more players from the surrounding Rongai town.”

Meanwhile, Daystar Coach Kevin Wambua echoed his colleague’s statement, by saying that their team will be no push overs in the tournament and they will be as competitive as some of the bigger sides in the event.

Tournament Draw

 Pool A: Quins, Nauru, Uganda Rhinos, Stormers

Pool B: Homeboyz, Kisumu, Africa Nazarene, Kilunda

Pool C: Mwamba, Impala, Uganda Kobs, Daystar

Pool D: Pirates, USIU, British Army, Kabras