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KCB Rugby Club’s head coach, Andrew Amonde, reflects on the Tisap Sevens weekend, expressing regret over missed opportunities due to the absence of key players.

Kabras Sugar now edges ahead in the national Rugby sevens circuit standings by a single point following the Eldoret showdown.

Amonde, speaking from the team’s training grounds yesterday, remains optimistic despite fielding a young and less experienced squad. He emphasizes the need for unwavering determination and mental toughness to secure victory, particularly in the upcoming decisive round of the circuit set to take place in Nairobi next weekend.

“Although we did not have most of our main guys in Eldoret, the younger players really showed up and gave their best. We have to push to the last minute without fail. We need tough players with tough mentality to win this. Next weekend will be the decider,” said the KCB head coach  laying much emphasis on the final round of the circuit in Nairobi this coming weekend.

During the Tisap Sevens, Charles Odhiambo scored a last-minute try for Nondies, leading them to a 12-7 victory over Christie’s finalists Strathmore Leos and securing the coveted main cup honors, a feat they hadn’t achieved since 2002.

As the national Rugby Sevens Circuit approaches its final round, Kabras and KCB, both with two wins each in the circuit, find themselves in a tight race. Kabras holds the lead with 92 points, while KCB closely trails with 91 points, setting the stage for an intense showdown in Nairobi.

The Tisap Sevens also showcased emerging talents, offering potential prospects for the national team, ‘Shujaas.’ Kenya under 20 captain Michael Wamalwa, representing KCB, received the Most Promising Player award.

Notable individual recognitions include Charles Omondi, whose last-minute heroics earned him the Most Valuable Player (MVP) title, and Mwamba’s Brain Mutugi, who secured the Top Try Scorer award with nine tries. Amon Wamalwa of Kenya Harlequins claimed the Top Point Scorer accolade.

Following successful appearances at the Dala Sevens, Driftwood Sevens, Prinsloo Sevens, Christie Sevens, and now Tisap Sevens, Kabras Sugar Rugby Club narrowly leads with 92 points, closely pursued by KCB Rugby Club at 91 points.

Strathmore Leos, after two consecutive final losses, stand third with 82 points, while Menengai Oilers push close behind in fourth place with 71 points. Mwamba Rugby Club holds the fifth position with 69 points, while Kenya Harlequins has dropped to sixth place with 66 points.

With the circuit heading to Nairobi County for the George Mwangi Kabeberi Sevens next weekend, the battle for supremacy in the division one category intensifies, with Kabras and KCB separated by just one point at the summit of the table.