Kisumu ready for season-ending Dala Sevens at Mamboleo
Kisumu RFC are bracing themselves for a huge test as they welcome teams from across the country for the season-ending Dala Sevens at the Mamboleo Grounds this weekend.
After a tough campaign in the National Sevens Circuit, where they managed only a single point at last weekend’s Kabeberi Sevens in Nairobi, the Kisumu-based side will be hoping to make the most of home advantage.
Drawn in Pool D, Kisumu face a stern challenge against title contenders Strathmore University Leos, Menengai Oilers, and Impala Saracens. Despite the difficulty, captain John Baraka says his team is ready to fight.
“We know the pool is tough, but that will not stop us,” said Baraka. “Strathmore, Oilers, and Impala are strong sides, but we believe we can push them. Our focus is to stay disciplined, take our chances, and play with the energy the home crowd will give us.”
Kisumu RFC chairman Gabriel Ouma echoed Baraka’s words, stressing that the club is building for both the present and the future.
“Our preparations have been good, and the boys are motivated,” Ouma said. “This is our home tournament, so we want to give a good account of ourselves. Beyond the Dala Sevens, we are also looking at the Kenya Cup next season. Our aim is to grow stronger, be more competitive, and bring stability to the club.”
The Dala Sevens marks the end of the 25th edition of the National Sevens Circuit, which has seen intense battles across the country. The spotlight will be on KCB Rugby and Strathmore Leos, who are fighting for the overall crown.
KCB head into the final leg as frontrunners with 104 points, while Strathmore are second with 95. With a tournament win worth 22 points, KCB need to reach at least the semi-finals in Kisumu to reclaim the title they last won in 2023.
The bankers have enjoyed a dominant campaign, winning the Driftwood, Christie, and Kabeberi Sevens while also finishing strongly at Prinsloo and Embu. Strathmore, however, will be pushing hard to keep the race alive and hope the bankers slip.
Elsewhere, defending champions Kabras RFC headline Pool A alongside CUEA Monks, MMUST, and Nakuru RFC. Kabras, who lifted the title in Kisumu last year, will be looking to repeat their dominance.
Pool B looks wide open, featuring Daystar Falcons, MSC Rugby, Kenya Harlequin, and Nondescripts. Harlequin, last year’s overall champions, have a proud record in the Circuit, having won four titles. Pool C features KCB grouped with Mwamba RFC, Homeboyz RFC, and Embu RFC, making it another tough battle.
The National Sevens Circuit has a rich history, with clubs like KCB, Impala Saracens, and Quins each boasting four titles. Mwamba enjoyed their golden years between 2007 and 2011, while Homeboyz, Kabras, Oilers, Strathmore, and Nakuru have also lifted the crown at different times.
As Kisumu gets ready to host the season finale, fans can expect thrilling rugby, with the hosts hoping to rise to the occasion, KCB targeting another crown, and Strathmore pushing to upset the odds. All roads lead to Mamboleo as the curtain falls on another exciting sevens campaign.