Mwamba close gap on KCB in Sevens race

Mwamba RFC's Collins Injera during a past Kenya Cup action. (Photo: Courtesy)

The four-time Circuit champions cut the bankers lead to three points ahead of the penultimate leg, Christie Sevens slated for next weekend.

With two legs to go, battle for this year’s national Sevens Circuit title is evenly poised after Mwamba cut KCB’s lead to three points following their Main Cup win at the Prinsloo Sevens.

The Prinsloo Sevens was the fourth leg of the National Sevens Circuit held in Nakuru, over the weekend.

Kulabu, as Mwamba is popularly known, are second with 69 points while the bankers, who suffered a shock quarter-final elimination against Menengai Oilers at Prinsloo, lead the way with 72 points.

Circuit defending champions Homeboyz, as well as Nakuru RFC, are tied on 64 points in third position, while surprise package Oilers close the top five with 61 points.

The three sides cannot be ruled out of the race just yet. 

While Mwamba, who won the circuit in 2007, 2008, 2010 and 2011 might have stagnated at second position, they will definitely draw inspiration from their showing in Nakuru ahead of the penultimate leg, Christie Sevens slated for Nairobi next weekend. 

In the absence of head coach Kevin Wambua, Louis Kisia took charge of Kulabu at the Prinsloo tournament with the trainer attributing their win to solid restarts.

“We achieved our day one objective, which was to secure a top of the pool finish. On day two, our restarts were our biggest advantage as we ensured we retained each one of them and this was vital in our victories,” Kisia said.

“All teams have seriously improved as witnessed on day one when several top-ranked teams met in the pool stages,” added Kisia.

Against Homeboyz in the final, Kisia’s charges had to rely on a sudden death try by Mike Okello after the sides were level  7-7 in regulation time. Collins Injera had given Mwamba the lead with a converted try before Homeboyz, under the tutelage of South African Hector Jason, responded through Augustine Lugonzo.

Mwamba also enjoyed success in the individual awards with their final hero Mike Okello scooping the Most Valuable Player award.

In addition, Okello made team of the tournament alongside Joel Inzuga. Three players; Derrick Ashiundu of Western Bulls, Paul Abuto of Kabras Sugar and Joel Inzuga (Mwamba) were the tournament’s joint top try scorers with seven tries each.