KCB Rugby will return to action this weekend at the Embu Sevens as the national sevens circuit enters its fifth leg, with the bankers targeting another strong showing in order to enhance chances of retaining their national sevens crown.
The Ruaraka-based side heads to Embu sitting at the top of the national sevens circuit standings with 76 points, with Kenya Cup and Enterprise Cup champions Kabras Sugar hot on their heels on 73 points. Only two legs are remaining - Embu 7s and Christie 7s.
KCB will be keen to strengthen its position at the summit and maintain its momentum in the race for the overall title.
KCB has been drawn in a friendly-looking Pool A alongside Mombasa Rugby, Kenyatta University Blak Blad and Kisumu Rugby, setting the stage for another highly competitive weekend as teams battle for valuable circuit points.
Under the guidance of coach Andrew Amonde, the bankers head into Embu 7s after finishing runners-up at the Driftwood 7s in Mombasa a fortnight ago. Kabras Sugar from Kakamega County mauled KCB Rugby 15-5 in the Main Cup final at the Mombasa Sports Club, denying the bankers another tournament title.
Despite the setback, KCB has enjoyed an impressive campaign so far, winning the Prinsloo 7s and Kabeberi 7s, while maintaining consistency across the circuit to move to the top of the standings.
In an interview on Wednesday, Amonde said: “We have had a good run so far, but we know there is still a lot of work to do. Finishing second in Mombasa showed that we are competitive, but it also reminded us that we must be more clinical when it matters most. Our focus now is Embu, where we want to collect maximum points and keep ourselves in a strong position going into the final leg.”
Amonde added that the team would not underestimate its Pool A opponents, noting that every match will be important in their pursuit of the overall circuit title.
“The pool is competitive, and we have to approach every game with the right mentality. Our objective is to take it one match at a time, execute our game plan and give ourselves the best chance of going all the way. The players are motivated and ready for the challenge,” he added.
Last season, KCB fell short in the title race after Strathmore Leos defeated the bankers 31-21, a result that has strengthened the team's resolve to finish the job this season.
“Last season’s result against Strathmore is still a motivation for us. We came close, but 31-21 showed us how fine the margins are at this level. This season, we have worked hard to put ourselves in a better position, and we want to make the most of the opportunity we have,” said Captain Brian Wahinya.
With 76 points at the top of the standings and two legs remaining, KCB Rugby will be looking to translate its strong form into another tournament victory as the race for the national sevens crown enters its decisive stages.
Embu 7s Division One Pools
Pool A: KCB Rugby, MSC Rugby, KU Blak Blad, Kisumu RFC
Pool B: Menengai Oilers, NYS Spades, Kenya Harlequin, Embu RFC
Pool C: Kabras Sugar, Nondescripts RFC, Nakuru RFC, Strathmore Leos
Pool D: Daystar Falcons, Mwamba RFC, MMUST, Zetech Oaks
Division Two Pools
Pool A: Stallions Rugby, Meru RFC, Marsabit RFC, MKU Thika
Pool B: Catholic Monks (CUEA), Tharaka University, Murang'a RFC, Meru University
Pool C: Mean Machine, Olive Rugby, Karatina University, Kenya Prisons
Pool D: Sigalagala Polytechnic, Kirinyaga RFC, Dedan Kimathi University (DeKut), JKUAT Cougars
Ladies Category
Pool A: Mwamba Ladies, Impala Roans, NYS Ladies, Meru Ladies
Pool B: Kenya Harlequins, Kiambaa Ladies, Northern Suburbs, Tharaka Nithi University
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