Kenya Cup side, Mwamba RFC, will commence their campaign in the 2023 National 7s Circuit without the services of talented winger Idriss Shariff.

The club confirmed that Shariff underwent surgery on Sunday to repair a damaged Achilles, an injury he sustained during a training session.

Mwamba wishes Shariff

In a statement released by the club, affectionately known as “Kulabu” by its loyal supporters, the extent of Shariff’s absence from the team was not specified.

However, the club expressed their unwavering support for the player and wished him a speedy recovery as he begins his rehabilitation journey.

“Our winger Idriss Shariff on Sunday underwent a successful surgery to repair his damaged Achilles after he got injured during a training session with the Sevens team. Please join us in wishing Idriss a speedy recovery,” the club announced.

Our winger Idriss Shariff on Sunday underwent a successful surgery to repair his damaged Achilles after he got injured during a training session with the Sevens team. Please join us in wishing Idriss a speedy recovery. #Rfamily. pic.twitter.com/p0rgBzhL7h

— Mwamba Rugby Football Club (@MwambaRFC) June 19, 2023

The setback comes as a blow to Mwamba RFC, as Shariff’s speed and scoring ability have been pivotal to the club.

Opportunity for Mwamba players

The absence of Shariff will however create an opportunity for other talented players within the Mwamba RFC squad to step up and make their mark on the National 7s Circuit.

Achilles injury usually takes six to 12 months and the player is likely to stay out during the whole 7s campaign.

The 2023 National 7s Circuit 2023 is set to kick off with the Dala 7s at the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Mamboleo, Kisumu City on July 1-2.

Dala 7s will now replace the Tisap 7s which was originally scheduled for June 24 in Eldoret as the opening tournament of the 2023 campaign.

Tisap which has since replaced Kakamega 7s will now take place on September 2-3 at the Eldoret Sports Club with the National 7s returning to Eldoret for the first time since the 2018 Sepetuka 7s.

Following the Dala 7s, the circuit will head to the coastal city of Mombasa for the Driftwood 7s at the Mombasa Sports Club on July 8-9. The excitement will then pause briefly as the circuit makes way for the World Rugby U20 Trophy, happening in Nairobi from July 15 to July 30.

The third round, the Prinsloo 7s, will electrify Nakuru City as it takes place at the Nakuru Athletic Club on August 5-6. Nairobi’s RFUEA Ground will be the stage for the highly regarded Christie 7s on August 12-13, showcasing top teams battling for glory.

Finally, Nairobi will once again take the spotlight as the circuit reaches its climax with the George Mwangi Kabeberi Memorial 7s on September 9-10. This prestigious tournament promises thrilling matches and intense competition.

Established in 1999, the National Sevens Circuit has become a highlight of Kenya’s rugby calendar. Hosted by various clubs in collaboration with the Kenya Rugby Union, the circuit brings together teams from across the nation to compete in exhilarating rugby sevens tournaments.

Teams will compete for the coveted National Sevens Circuit title by accumulating points based on their performance in each tournament. The 2023 circuit comprises a total of six tournaments held in five cities and towns across Kenya.

Menengai Oilers were crowned the 2022 National Sevens Circuit Champions, securing a total of 113 points across the six legs of the campaign. This victory marked their first-ever sevens title since the team’s establishment. Coach Gibson Weru, who previously achieved the same feat with Nakuru RFC, led the team to their triumph.

National Sevens Circuit 2023

Dala 7s | Kisumu | 1/2  July

Driftwood 7s | Mombasa | 8^th/9^th July

Prinsloo 7s | Nakuru | 5^th/6^th August

Christie 7s | Nairobi | 12^th/13^th August

Tisap 7s | Eldoret | 2^nd/3^rd September

Kabeberi 7s | Nairobi | 9^th/10^th September