Exactly two years, eight months and 13 days since the last time we watched local sevens rugby, the 2022 George Mwangi Kabeberi Memorial 7s took center stage at the RFUEA grounds, and what a festival it was! Here are five talking points from the first leg of the 2022 National sevens circuit.
Sevens is Back!!
We had waited 987 days for sevens rugby and didn’t Kabeberi 7s make it worth the wait?! It was a proper two days of high octane sevens rugby both on and off the pitch. The Saturday crowd must have set a record for the series, on the pitch the players dusted off the cobwebs to put on a sevens show.
The atmosphere, especially on Saturday was one for the books with a shereeeheeee to match, it was great seeing you all turn up in such numbers to support your teams and in turn the sport, let’s keep this going through out the circuit!
The ‘Hand Over’
It was rather interesting to see the likes of Collins Injera, Andrew Amonde, Oscar Ayodi, Max Adaka directing play from the touchlines, instead of mixing it up from inside the pitch. In many ways we are witnessing the hand over, as the next generation takes over across the sport, even at officiating level.
It is great seeing the new crop of players and teams coming to the fore, the likes of Daystar, that Strathmore side, the div 2 winners Catholic Monks, even in the women’s category, the Nakuru side that won it were virtually new faces.
That being said, it was also great seeing some of the ‘old’ heads still out there playing, the likes of Biko Adema, Leonard Mugaisi, Jacob Ojee…over 30s ni story tu!
Prize Money
Correct me if I am wrong, but I think the last time the sevens circuit offered prize money was during those western union days in the late 2000s. It is great seeing Betsafe bringing back the good days, the clubs and players have something tangible to play for.
The winners of each leg, will take home KES.100,000, runner up pocketing 50,000 and 3rd place taking 25,000 home. The overall circuit winner takes home KES. 500,000, runner up 250,000 and overall 3rd walking away with 100,000. Quick maths, if a side wins four legs, finishes second in two and lifts the overall title, si hiyo ni pesa poa?
Betsafe have also sponsored the Union to a tune of 1 Million shillings, with every hosting club receiving 500,000. There will also be opportunities for fans to win great prizes and interact with the brand through out the circuit!
The New Stars!
As mentioned earlier, we are witnessing the rise of the new generation and with it, comes new stars. Over the two days, we were treated to some great talents, none better though than Brunson Madigu of Strathmore, who rightfully picked both the Most promising and most valuable player accolades.
That whole Strathmore side had some very good prospects all round, the likes of Stephen Osumba, George Ooro and Festus Shiasi who all made it to the dream team. Bob Muhati, Alex Mulwa, Elvis Olukusi of KCB, who were anchored by the seasoned faces of Jacob Ojee, Levy Amunga and Michael Wanjala.
There was Patrick Odongo of Daystar who had wheels for days, burned defenders on the outside at will, Andrew Gathua of Blad, the Oilers and Homeboyz sides also had some familiar faces tearing it up as they always have!
Number 5!
For number 5, I will be opening up the floor to you guys, to share anything else that stood out for you that I might have missed, so head on to the comments section and share your thoughts. It could be anything, the Betsafe cheerleaders, treat this as your feedback section for the tournament!
With that my good people, bring on the Christie 7s!
KWISHA….Nimeruka Nje!!!
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