Top teams battle for glory at Prinsloo tournament today: Rugby Sevens action resumes at Nakuru after one-week break

KABEBERI 7s Impala RFU's Paul Musami (left) and Harold Ajongo of Menengai RFU during 2017 George Mwangi Kabeberi memorial tournament at RFU grounds. Sept 10, 2017. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Circuit leaders Oilers keen to reap more points.

After a week’s break, five teams are out to outdo each other in the race for top honours as the National Sevens Circuit resumes this morning with the third round of matches at Nakuru Athletic Club with the kick-off of the Prinsloo Sevens.

The five include circuit leaders Menengai Oilers, Impala, defending champions Homeboyz, Kabras Sugar and hosts Nakuru RFC.

It promises to be an exciting weekend, full of ups and downs, thrills and spills as teams endure the challenge of playing four back to back tournaments as the chase for the overall title winners continues.

Impala RFC are the top seeds in Pool A and will battle Nakuru RFC, Nondescripts and Kenyatta University’s Blak Blad in the group matches.

Nakuru are determined to win the tournament after hiring former Strathmore head coach Mitch Ocholla whose presence in the team has improved their performance that had diminished since the departure of his predecessor Dominique Habimana and an array of key players.

Wanyore who reached the Driftwood finals but lost 17-7 to national champions Homeboyz are looking forward to lifting their first silverware of the season.

While hailing the trio of Geoffrey Ominde, Monate Akuwei and Brian Maina's impressive display in the first two legs of the circuit, Ocholla said the team is motivated ahead of this weekend's tournament.

Menengai Oilers who are the league leaders with 36 points having lost to Impala at Kabeberi Sevens, have been tipped to overcome opposition in Pool B comprising Kenya Harlequin, Mwamba and Western Bulls.

“We have just started, but the struggle continues as we want to stamp our authority in the tournament with an aim of making a Kenya Cup League qualification in the next two years,” said Menengai Oilers Head Coach Gibson Weru.

"This is a youthful team in its second year in the circuit, but they have already proved themselves in the circuit. Prinsloo presents an opportunity for us to win the trophy in front of our home fans."

But it will not be a walk in the park for Menengai as national champions and Driftwood winners Homeboyz are out to retain the trophy they won last year.

Homeboyz are in Pool C with Strathmore Leos, Mean Machine and Mombasa RFC.