Kenyatta University’s Blak Blad Rugby team captain Douglas Sifuna has reflected on leading the students at this year’s national circuits first leg, Driftwood 7s, at the Mombasa Sports Club last weekend.

Speaking to People Sport on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, Sifuna revealed that it was a great honour leading a very young side against veterans in the highly competitive showpiece. Black Blad put on a spirited performance at the 2025 Driftwood Sevens tournament held on July 26 and 27, 2025.

Drawn in a tough Pool A, Blak Blad faced defending National Sevens Circuit champions Kenya Harlequins, MMUST, and Mwamba RFC. Despite a rocky start, the youthful side showed resilience and potential throughout the tournament.

Journey at Driftwood 7s

In their opening matches, Blak Blad fell narrowly to both Harlequins and MMUST, losing 14-7 in each encounter. However, the team bounced back in their final pool match with a hard-fought 14-12 victory over the experienced Mwamba side, securing a morale-boosting win as they moved into Day 2.

Sunday’s fixtures saw Blak Blad suffer a 24-7 defeat at the hands of Impala RFC, but the team recovered strongly with back-to-back wins—first overcoming hosts Mombasa Rugby 10-5, then edging out Kabarak University 12-7 in a tightly contested encounter.

Reflecting on the tournament, Sifuna expressed mixed feelings about the team’s performance but remained optimistic.

“We could have done better, but it was a very young team with nine debutants,” he noted.

“The average age was just 22, and most of the players had little experience playing at this level. That pressure was difficult to manage, but they showed heart.”

Sifuna was full of praise for the team’s new faces, lauding their courage and work ethic in their debut appearance at a National Sevens event. “I congratulate the nine debutants and wish them the best in their sevens careers. I’m proud of the effort they put in.”

As Blak Blad shifts focus to the next leg of the circuit in Nakuru this coming weekend, the team will be looking to build on the experience gained in Mombasa. The captain further said the team is ready to face any side on the road despite the experience factor.