The battle for supremacy in the Kabeberi Sevens rugby tournament heated up on Saturday at the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi, with Kabras Sugar, Menengai Oilers, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST), KCB, and Strathmore University Leos securing their spots in the quarterfinals after a thrilling day of action.
Kabras Sugar Dig Deep to Qualify
Kabras Sugar, the current leaders of the National Sevens Circuit, had to dig deep to earn their place in the last eight. The day began on a shaky note for Kabras as they suffered a surprising 22-17 defeat to Strathmore University Leos, a result that put their quarterfinal hopes in jeopardy. With their backs against the wall, Kabras needed to win their remaining two matches to keep their quarterfinal hopes alive.
Led by former Kenya Sevens winger Felix Ayange, Kabras responded like champions. They rebounded with a resounding 31-7 victory over Impala, thanks to tries from Biden Hayo, William Muhanji, Derrick Ashiundu, and Brian Mutua. This set up a do-or-die match against Nakuru RFC, who had also recorded one win against Impala.
In a tense encounter, Kabras took control early, with Derrick Ashiundu scoring a try at the corner, followed by another from Jackson Siketa, pushing Kabras to a 10-0 lead. Warren Kamadi extended the lead to 17-0 at halftime. Ashiundu continued his excellent form, scoring again in the second half, making it 22-0 before Nakuru attempted a comeback with tries from Philip Okeyo and Bonvert Opande. However, Kabras held firm to secure a 22-12 win and book their place in the quarterfinals.
MMUST Continue to Impress
MMUST RFC continued their impressive form from the Dala Sevens by securing a spot in the quarterfinals for the second consecutive week. They opened their campaign with a hard-fought 10-7 victory over hosts Mwamba RFC, showcasing resilience and tactical discipline. MMUST followed up this victory with a commanding 22-0 win over Mount Kenya University, underlining their growing confidence and cohesion.
MMUST head coach Asila John expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance but emphasized the need for continuous improvement. “We came to Nairobi with the target of going all the way to the final. The boys are in good form, and the competition is tough, but our goal is to perform even better than we did last week,” said Asila. MMUST’s ambitions are clear as they aim to challenge the established rugby powerhouses.
Strathmore Leos Make a Strong Statement
Strathmore University Leos delivered one of the standout performances of the day, beginning with a stunning 22-17 victory over Kabras Sugar, the reigning Dala Sevens and Christie Sevens champions. The Leos, known for their fast-paced and strategic play, dismantled Kabras’ defense with clinical execution and composure. They continued their fine form with a dominant 24-0 victory over Nakuru, securing their place at the top of the pool and advancing to the quarterfinals.
KCB Show Their Class
Defending champions KCB RFC showcased their dominance, starting with a comprehensive 39-0 demolition of Mount Kenya University. The Bankers followed this up with a solid 25-9 win over Mwamba, demonstrating their intent to retain the Kabeberi Sevens title. KCB’s consistency, depth, and tactical prowess make them one of the favorites as the tournament heads into the knockout stages.
Menengai Oilers in Fine Form
Menengai Oilers also made a strong case for their title ambitions, securing their quarterfinal spot in style. They recorded the highest scoreline of the day with a 43-0 thrashing of the Stallions and followed it up with a 43-7 victory over Kisumu. The Oilers’ attacking prowess, led by Olympians Dennis Abukuse and John Okoth, alongside Kenya Simbas’ hard-hitting Beldad Ogeta, make them a formidable opponent as they head into the quarterfinals.
Looking Ahead to the Quarterfinals
With Kabras Sugar, Menengai Oilers, MMUST, KCB, and Strathmore Leos all making it through to the quarterfinals, the competition promises to be fierce. The performances on Saturday have set the stage for a thrilling climax to the Kabeberi Sevens, as teams battle not only for the trophy but also for supremacy in the National Sevens Circuit standings. As the action continues, rugby fans can expect high-intensity matches and top-class performances from some of the best teams in the country.
