KCB banks on new players ahead of Sevens season

Fiji’s Jerry Tuwai (L) tackles Kenya’s Johnstone Olindi, as he scores a try during World Rugby Sevens Series action, in Vancouver, BC, on March 9, 2019. [AFP]

KCB Sevens coach Denis Mwanja is hopeful the club’s new signings will play a pivotal role in their quest to clinch a third National Sevens Circuit title when this year’s tournament kicks off in Kakamega this weekend.

KCB, who claimed back to back National Sevens Circuit titles in 2013 and 2014, have so far confirmed the acquisition of four players, their notable signings being fly-half Johnstone Olindi and forward Shadon Munoko.

The pair featured for the national Sevens team during the 2018-19 World Sevens Series.

Olindi joins the bankers from Homeboyz while Munoko has been roped in from University of Nairobi’s Mean Machine.

The Ruaraka-based club has also signed another fly-half in Levy Amunga from Kenyatta University’s Blak Blad while Patrick Ouko, who is not likely to feature in the Sevens campaign, has been acquired from Homeboyz.

While likening Munoko to former Kenya Sevens captain Andrew Amonde, Mwanja said the burly forward is a good signing for the team as they seek to end the four-year wait for a Sevens title.

“He (Munoko) is an excellent ball carrier with good strength and we hope his experience with the national Sevens team will be of value to the team,” Mwanja told Standard Sports.

“Olindi is familiar with the KCB environment having played for our junior team, Northern Suburbs and he should be able to fit in the system quickly,” added Mwanja.

Dominant in 15s rugby over the past few seasons, KCB have failed to replicate their 15s exploits in the shorter version in recent times and Mwanja believes that will soon change.

While they boast of seven Kenya Cup titles, five Enterprise Cup gongs and a good number of Floodlit trophies, the bankers have managed to clinch the Sevens Circuit only two times.

“We have been building up solidly for the past three years and I feel like we are ready for the task,” said Mwanja.

In the season-opening Kakamega Sevens, Mwanja’s charges have been drawn in a pool C which has rivals Kabras Sugar, Kisii RFC and MMUST.