Africa-Press – Kenya. The race for the National Seven Series gets underway today with the Driftwoods Sevens at the Mombasa Sports Club At stake after the six-tournament, two-month series is Sh300,000 for the overall winner and bragging rights.
Following the event in Mombasa, the series will head to Nakuru for the Prinsloo Sevens on August 2-3, take a two-week break and resume with Christie Sevens on August 16-17.
The caravan will then head to Central Kenya for the Embu Sevens on August 23-24 followed by Kabeberi 7s on September 6-7. The grand finale will be the Dala Sevens in Kisumu on September 13-14.
A competitive series is expected as players seek to impress Shujaa and Kenya Morans’ selectors, led by head coach Kevin Wambua. Series champions Quins are the record winners of the Driftwoods Sevens with 13 titles, including last year’s crown, which they grabbed after a 15-12 win over KCB in the final.
Quins’ newly appointed coach Patrice Agunda faces a tough task as the Ngong’ Road outfit look at staying ahead of the pack. Agunda’s charges headline Pool ‘A’ where they face Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST), a resurgent Kenyatta University side, Blak Blad, and a tricky Mwamba outfit.
Agunda will bank on the side that did duty last year, including captain Richel Wangila, playmakers Amon Wamalwa, Lucky Dewald and Paul Mutsami. Speaking on Friday, Agunda said: “We had a robust pre-season and even featured in some tournaments. Now it’s up to the boys to execute. It’s a tricky pool we’ve got. MMUST and Blak Blad are very tricky teams, while Mwamba always have that pedigree when it comes to Sevens.”
Last season’s series runners-up, Kabras Sugar, will aim to go one place better after narrowly missing the title over the past two seasons. The Kakamega-based side have brought in the big artillery for the opening tournament. They include Shujaa’s Kevin Wekesa, Lamech Ambetsa and William Mwanji, alongside new faces like Mike Lususi and Sam Omollo.
The sugar milers open their Pool ‘B’ campaign against Impala before tricky ties against Catholic Monks and Nakuru RFC. Coach Max Adaka believe his charges are up to the task for the battle ahead.
“We have come close in the past two years, and we are determined to get over the line and win the circuit this time around. The squad is a blend of youth and experience,” he observed.
A resurgent KCB side look to lay down a marker at the coast after a disappointing campaign in the 15s season. Coach Dennis Mwanja has signed Shujaa skipper George Ooro, Steven Osumba from Strathmore, and Brandon Lusisa from Kabras to combine with the likes of Samuel Asati and Austin Sikutwa.
The bankers headline Pool ‘C’ and face Nondies, Daystar Falcons and hosts Mombasa Sports Club. Menengai Oilers, under new coach and former playmaker, Geoffrey Ominde, will fancy their chances of performing well in Pool ‘D’ where they battle Strathmore Leos, Kabete Stallions and Kabarak University. The top two teams in each pool proceed to Sunday’s quarterfinals. Podium finishers in each leg will pocket Sh100,000, Sh50,000 and Sh25,000.
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