A player from Menengai Oilers confronts Kabras RFC’s Jackson Siketa during active play
Kabras RFC made a glorious return to the spotlight by claiming victory in the third leg of the SportPesa National 7s Circuit at the Dala 7s, defeating Menengai Oilers 24-5 in a thrilling final.
The Millers secured an early lead in the first half, with stunning performances from Patrick Lumumba, Jackson Siketa, and William Mwanji, propelling them to a commanding 17-0 lead. Both sides displayed high-spirited determination in the second half with Kabras prevailing to seal their second win in the circuit having beaten Kenya Harlequins (Quins), in the first leg at Christie 7s in Nairobi.
Fast-rising Kenya Under-20 player, Jackson Siketa, who emerged as the Most Valuable Player in the competition attributed their win to hard work, adequate training, and a good playing strategy. He was backed up by Kabras 7s Head Coach, Felix Ayange, who acknowledged the team effort displayed by his players.
“This is our first win ever in Dala 7s and it feels delicious considering the slow start to the competition. The team composition of young and seasoned players has ultimately bolstered the overall performance,” said Ayange.
Quins won the third place play-off match as KCB lifted the 5th place trophy while Strathmore and Homeboyz won the Challenge Trophy and 13th place trophy respectively. SportPesa’s Communications and Partnerships Manager, Willis Ojwang, expressed enthusiasm about the rising competitiveness in the circuit.
Kabras RFC players lift the Dala 7s trophy after emerging victorious.
“The return of the Olympians and the allure of the SportPesa rewards have significantly driven up the level of play. As we move to the Kabeberi 7s in Nairobi, we anticipate a vibrant atmosphere this coming weekend. We encourage the fans to come out in large numbers to cheer on their favorite teams,” Ojwang remarked.
Earlier, Kabras had annihilated Ingo 7s winners, Quins, with an outcome of 17-00 on their way to the finals of the second leg, as Menengai Oilers showed great determination with a 29-14 win against Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) on their way to meet Kabras in the finals.
Kenya Rugby Union CEO, Thomas Odundo while lauding the players for their good show in Kisumu, predicted an even more competitive leg of the SportPesa 7s in Nairobi with the return of the Olympians.
“Despite a slow start at Dala 7s, the tournament was a huge success with the national team players elevating the competition. We look forward to Kabeberi 7s with even higher expectations as we reach the halfway mark of the circuit,” noted Odundo.
Kabeberi 7s slated for the 24th and 25th of August, kicks off the first of the remaining three legs in the SportPesa National 7s Circuit, where the teams will continue battling it out for the ultimate cash prize of Kes 300,000.
