KCB Rugby, the defending champions of the National 7s Circuit, are gearing up for the Dala 7s tournament with high hopes of securing another victory. The tournament, set to take place this weekend at the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Kisumu, has KCB Rugby aiming to assert their dominance once again, particularly with the return of their Olympic stars, Samuel Asati and Festus Shiasi.
These two key players, fresh from their participation in the Olympic Games, bring a wealth of international experience and a winning mentality to the squad. Their inclusion in the team is seen as a significant boost for the Bankers as they prepare to face tough competition in the Dala 7s. Coach Dennis Mwanja has emphasized the importance of their presence, noting that their experience at the highest level of competition will be invaluable as KCB Rugby looks to navigate the challenges of the tournament.
Coach Mwanja, a former Kenya 7s international himself, understands the pressures and demands of high-level rugby. In an exclusive interview with Mozzart Sport during the team’s training session at the Ruaraka Grounds, he shared his insights on the upcoming tournament. “Having Samuel Asati and Festus Shiasi back in the squad is a massive advantage for us. They bring a different level of experience and a winning mindset that we need to succeed at Dala 7s,” Mwanja stated. “We’ve learned from the past two legs, and we’re ready to apply those lessons in Kisumu.”
The team’s journey in the current National 7s Circuit has been a rollercoaster. After finishing fifth during the Christie 7s, KCB Rugby managed to reach the final of the Ingo 7s, only to fall short in a nail-biting 17-12 loss to Quins during sudden death. These experiences have provided the team with critical insights, particularly in maintaining focus and capitalizing on opportunities. “There is no clear-cut path to victory in 7s rugby. It’s about making fewer mistakes and staying in the game, especially in crucial moments,” Mwanja added.
As KCB Rugby prepares for the Dala 7s, they are well aware of the challenges that lie ahead. The 7s format is notoriously unpredictable, and any team is capable of causing an upset on their day. Mwanja has warned his players against complacency, emphasizing that they must stay sharp and take their chances when they come. “Every team in this tournament is a worthy opponent. We’ve seen teams like Catholic University of East Africa (CUEA) Monks and Kabete Stallions come in strong. The standards in 7s rugby are higher now, and every tournament presents its own twists and turns,” he said.
KCB Rugby has been placed in Pool B, where they will face off against Kenyatta University’s Blak Blad, Homeboyz RFC, and Nondies RFC. The match against Nondies RFC is particularly significant, as Nondies defeated KCB 17-14 during their final pool match at the Christie 7s. This loss has not been forgotten, and the Bankers are eager to exact revenge in Kisumu. “Every pool has its challenges, and we expect interesting and action-packed matches. We’ve studied Nondies closely, and we’re prepared to face them again. This time, we’re aiming for a different outcome,” Mwanja concluded.
The Dala 7s tournament is a critical event in the National 7s Circuit, and KCB Rugby is determined to make their mark. Having won the 2023 Dala 7s by defeating rivals Kabras RFC 17-5, the Bankers are keen to extend their dominance in the lakeside city. Their ultimate goal is to not only win the tournament but to also build momentum for the remainder of the 7s circuit.
With the return of Asati and Shiasi, combined with the lessons learned from previous tournaments, KCB Rugby is in a strong position to defend their title at the Dala 7s. However, they know that success will require focus, consistency, and the ability to perform under pressure. The team is ready for the challenge, and fans can expect a thrilling display of rugby as KCB Rugby aims to solidify their status as the best team in the National 7s Circuit.
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