What It Takes To Win At The National Sevens Circuit!

The 2022 Kings of Sevens Rugby – Menengai Oilers

It is almost a fortnight since we wrapped up the most competitive national sevens circuit of recent times at the Bull ring in Kakamega, with the Menengai Oilers being crowned overall champions, and for the first time in the competition’s history, had a different winner for each leg of the circuit in both the men’s and women’s competitions.

We look back at what was a sevens season of many firsts, first in the post-covid era, first to have a sizeable prize purse courtesty of Betsafe and as mentioned, first to produce different winners from the nine legs played across the men’s and women’s categories.

To help us do this, we got in touch with the nine headcoaches that succesfully navigated their sides to a leg title, to get their thoughts.

First up, the winners from the Kabeberi Sevens, Simon Muriuki of Nakuru and Dennis Mwanja of KCB.

Simon Muriuki – Nakuru Women RFC

Nakuru rugby is in a rebuilding process and I am impressed by the progress

The Queens of the 2022 Kabeberi 7s – Nakuru RFC.

Q1. You were the first winners of the sevens circuit after an almost three year hiatus, which is no small feat what did it take to achieve it?
We prepared really well and early enough focusing on basics and contact areas and with the able hand of Don(Snc) and Odu(assistant coach) we were able to prepare the ladies accordingly.”

Q2. Your win meant you set the early pace in the series, did this change any of your plans going into the second leg?
The win at kabeberi only proved that we were going in the right direction and now knowing all teams were gunning for us, we stuck to our game plan and increased our intensity.

Q3. You then went on to finish third in the next two legs, what would you attribute your failure to match that Kabeberi 7s win?
Losing key experienced players to injury and work commitments meant we were a little bit depleted but I was impressed by the progress shown by the young girls.”

Q4. How would you summarise your team’s performance in the 2022 National sevens circuit?
“Nakuru rugby is in a rebuilding process and I am impressed by the progress and commitment towards development by the ladies, finishing 3rd is no small fete.”

Q5. What impact would you say the prize money from Betsafe had on not only your team but the competition?
“I would like to thank Betsafe for coming on board and making it a successful circuit, I know most teams were there gunning for the 100 thousand on offer. Unfortunately when they came on board in the ladies competition, Kabeberi had already taken place thus the first award was in Christies so hatukuangukia hako ka mia…”

Q6. Closing word to your club’s fans and what can they look forward to?
“Hard work beats experience and as we’re are rebuilding our house, we will work extra hard to bring a good level of competition and strive to achieve the best for our all so loyal fans and the club.”

Dennis Mwanja – KCB RFC

They did well but not best. We have dug ourselves out of deeper holes.

The Kings of the 2022 Kabeberi sevens – KCB RFC

Q1. You were the first winners of the sevens circuit after an almost three year hiatus, which is no small feat what did it take to achieve it?
“Focus and commitment enabled us to achieve. A determination and desire to redeem ourselves after not winning the Kenya Cup. Honestly we had set out to win all cups according to our plan!”

Q2. Your win meant that you set the early pace in the series, did this change any of your plans going into the second leg?
“Not really, we remained on course for the title bearing in mind other teams pick up late and historically it’s realistic to win the circuit by stretching an assailable lead.”

Q3. You then went on to reach one final, finished third on three occassions and fourth in one, what would you attribute your failure to match that Kabeberi 7s win?
“Like a marathon other variables came in play, we are the most affected side by national team selection. In 7s the absence of Olindi, Onyala, Amunga, Asati and Buffa depleted us. That’s the bulk of the sevens team and starters. Injuries to key players, disciplinary and disparity of experience resulted in falling short in the subsequent tournaments. The lack of cohesion owing to disparity in experience meant the younger players could not match up the levels when called upon.”

Q4. How would you summarise your team’s performance in the 2022 National sevens circuit?
“They did well but not best. We have dug ourselves out of deeper holes. We honestly let in some easy tries that boosted opponents confidence when it mattered. With a rebuilding side it was decent to not fall before semi finals.”

Q5. What impact would you say the prize money from Betsafe had on not only your team but the competition?
“The prize money is a brilliant idea thanks to Betsafe. It inspired the teams and motivated more competition having something to play for.”

Q6. Closing word to your club’s fans and what can they look forward to?
“We appreciate the support always and don’t take it for granted, we are still hungry to recapture our rightful place in rugby, of course the lion’s share of everything on offer. The only way for us is up and our work is cut out.”

Onto the second set of winners, from the Christie 7s, Joseph Baabu of Mwamba and Louis Kisia of Strathmore.

Joseph Baabu – Mwamba Women RFC

Next season our objective is to defend both Kenya cup and sevens circuit titles…

The Queens of the 2022 Christie 7s – Mwamba RFC

Q1. You managed to overcome the dissapointment of a cup final loss at Kabeberi to lift the Christie 7s title, what changed during that week?
“During Kabeberi we did beat Nakuru when playing pool games and when we met again in the finals I think the players thought it’s a walk in the park having defeated them earlier. Lapse on focus and we lost the final.”

Q2. You failed to replicate the same form in Nakuru, what would you attribute this to?
“Poor mentality. The players were more of involved than being committed.”

Q3. How would you summarise your team’s performance in the 2022 National sevens circuit?
“6/10 score, regardless of the Prinsloo outcome we had a blended squad of experience and rookies all getting their names on the score sheets on various games. Building on squad depth for future competitions.”

Q4. What impact would you say the prize money from Betsafe had on not only your team but the competition?
“Price money is a motivation factor, most of the players are struggling with not only food but various basic commodities, the amount they received handled part of the bills that was pressing them. Players gave a fighting spirit to secure the top slots since the higher you go the more you get. Making the tournament more difficult to conquer.”

Q5. Closing word to your club’s fans and what can they look forward to?
“To our fans, keep on with the support we will keep on doing our best on to next season our objective is to defend both Kenya cup and kenya sevens circuit titles.”

Louis Kisia – Strathmore Leos

It has been a very competitive series, we have witnessed something that I have never seen

The Kings of the 2022 Christie 7s – Strathmore Leos

Q1. You managed to overcome the dissapointment of a cup final loss at Kabeberi to lift the Christie 7s title, what changed during that week?
“We analyzed what went wrong in the Kabeberi final against the bankers and worked on improving in those areas during the week. Kudos to the boys, they remained teachable and were hungry for the win and you could see the results at Christie 7s.”

Q2. After back to back finals, you failed to replicate the same form on the road, what would you attribute this to?
“The two week break before Driftwood took a toll on us, we took a deserved one week break after playing three tournaments on the trot, from Embu to Christie 7s. Unfortunately, that break didn’t work out as we expected. The climate in Mombasa also played a part, with most of my boys playing there for the first time, so it took a toll on them. The rest of the teams had also settled and became tougher to beat.”

Q3. How would you summarise your team’s performance in the 2022 National sevens circuit?
“It has been a very competitive series, we have witnessed something that I have never seen since my playing days in the early 2000s, six winners from every leg is phenomenal. It is proof that sevens rugby is growing and teams have invested heavily in the game, kudos to the clubs and coaches! My boys did very well to navigate the season and finish in third, as mentioned we had a very young squad, they were hungry and remained teachable so kudos to them!”

Q4. What impact would you say the prize money from Betsafe had on not only your team but the competition?
“Having a sponsor for the circuit motivates everyone from clubs, fans to players. It is quite expensive hosting or having a team in the circuit and especially for clubs without a sponsor, so it was a major boost. It was also great to see rugby fans paying gate and supporting the hosting clubs around the circuit. For the teams, the prize money was definitely a morale booster, cause we knew that if we finished inside the top three positions, there’d be something for us! So thank you very much to Betsafe!”

Q5. Closing word to your club’s fans and what can they look forward to?
“We know what our objectives were, we had set our goal to clinch the overall series, unfortunately we fell short, but it is always about performance rather than outcome. If you perform well the results will definitely come. I can assure our fans that we have started preparing for the fifteens season and we want to go a notch higher and give them something to brag about!”

From this point, the women’s circuit went on a break, as the men took on the Driftwood and Dala legs, the winning head coaches were Peter Kepher of Mwamba and Oscar Ayodi of Homeboyz, this is what they had to say.

Peter Kepher – Mwamba RFC

After all the shouting, screaming, disagreements, we found a safe place to get back together as little children…

The Kings of the 2022 Driftwood 7s – Mwamba RFC

Q1. You had a slow start to the circuit, with back to back 5th place finishes at Kabeberi and Christie, what did you change heading to Driftwood?
We started our sevens training late that resulted to the slow start of the first two tournaments. Heading into Driftwood we focused on our systems of plays, game management, team cohesion and fitness. The players executed everything as a team and did not panic when trailing that increased their confidence and were able to come back to win the game.

Q2. Fourth place finish in Dala and 5th place semi defeat at Prinsloo, what do you attribute your failure to keep the momentum from Driftwood going?
“In Dala, wouldn’t say that we failed but were not fully prepared for certain situations and it became evident on the decisions we made during the critical games. We took the learnings and worked towards them heading into Prinsloo. For Prinsloo, the 5th place defeat was attributed from being knocked out of the quarters as players gave all their energy and unfortunately lost the game. We had a few game sense decisions that made us not seal the quarters game early and that’s sports. There’s never a replay, you either get it right at the moment or accept the outcomes at the end of the final whistle.”

Q3. How would you summarise your team’s performance in the 2022 National sevens circuit?
“Their performance was impressive even though the team did not achieve the goal they had set. Some of the greatest things we achieved, despite the wins and/or losses, they did not deter us from having a brotherly bond, giving positive criticism, gaining a never give up mentality and my biggest one is after all the shouting, screaming, disagreements, we found a safe place to get back together as little children laughing and enjoying the limited time together, learning, forgiving and forgetting the past.”

Q4. What impact would you say the prize money from Betsafe had on not only your team but the competition?
“Rugby has really evolved and we are in a time where players don’t only play because they have passion for the game but to get some renumeration that will facilitate their lives. I would want to thank Betsafe for enabling this by awarding the winning teams and clubs with some money that will help the players. My sincere ask to Betsafe and other sponsors, for rugby to continue growing, we should consider rewarding participating teams as well to increase competition.”

Q5. Closing word to your club’s fans and what can they look forward to?
“To my club’s fans and all others, let’s come in huge numbers to support rugby. Their intense support is what will make the sport grow and the clubs to be able to generate revenue to meet players’ well being. To my club, look forward to a more polished, and refined team that will be ready to showcase top notch rugby, playing to win in all the competitions.”

At this point, it is worth noting that Mwamba only played five legs of the series, as they had to withdraw from the Kakamega 7s following the passing of their team manager, Stephanie Rose. Despite this, they finished fifth, within the maximum points (22) of fourth place. That is no mean feat, well in Kulabu!

Oscar Ayodi – Homeboyz RFC

It was a great outing for them getting 90/132 points…it can only get better going forward!

The Kings of the 2022 Dala 7s – Homeboyz RFC

Q1. After a start stop three legs, you finally came good at the Dala sevens, what did you change in your preparations heading to Dala?
“Nothing changed really, I think by the fourth leg players had grasped the structure really well and from the three legs we had an opportunity to see and change/adjust what was not working to a structure that could adapt the dynamics of the game at the time..”

Q2. Third place in Nakuru and a 5th place finish in Kakamega, what would you attribute the failure to keep the momentum from that Dala win going?
“Our attitude on the remaining two legs was not consistent as it ought to be. Being a young squad for most of them this was their debut circuit and maybe the players thought it will be easy since they had won…we just dint have the right attitude in the last two legs.”

Q3. How would you summarise your team’s performance in the 2022 National sevens circuit?
“They did great..as I have mentioned for 90% of the team, this was their debut circuit. Only Lord Muga and Juma had featured in Hbr 7s before, the rest were fairly new in 7s. So it was a great outing for them getting 90/132 points…it can only get better going forward.”

Q4. What impact would you say the prize money from Betsafe had on not only your team but the competition?
“Of course It made the circuit more competitive, players at least had an incentive to take home after competition. Money is always a morale booster ambapo passion haiwezi lipa bills ama fare ya matatu..

Q5. Closing word to your club’s fans and what can they look forward to?
“This was just a start, as much as it was a debut circuit for most of my players. It was also my debut full season as the HC of a Kenya cup outfit. So lots of learning and it can and will get better.. TUNAANZA UPYA!!”

The Ladies were back in action in Nakuru, for their final leg as the men played the penultimate leg of their circuit. Here is what Gibu and Mungix had to say.

Gibson Weru – Menengai Oilers

To have realistic chances of winning tournaments you need special players in your team- two is the ideal number…

The Kings of the 2022 Prinsloo 7s – Menengai Oilers

Q1. You came into the Prinsloo sevens off back to back cup final losses and as one of two teams with a realistic chance of lifting the series, title, what did you change in preparing for your ‘home’ tournament?
“Losing two cups finals was tough, I had to search for answers. We had already lost Davis Nyaundi to injury in the first game of the first tournament. It was a real setback considering that I had build the team around him in the preseason. To have realistic chances of winning tournaments you need special players in your team- two is the ideal number. Nyaundi is a leader and a player who has great X factor you combine this with good team effort you’ll stand a high chance to winning tournament(s) . So to cut the long story short we lacked a player of this caliber in those 2 finals but we had a great team. We won Prinsloo once Ominde joined the group. He is a True leader who leads the team well, his availability was what we lacked in the past two finals.”

Q2. You went on to finish second in Kakamega, any reason you couldn’t make it back to back titles?
“The game against KCB was tough and draining, none of the 6 matches we played them was easy. The game drained us so much physically and emotionally. As a coach you normally build combinations that work, I had built such a combination and they started every important match. After a poor start in the semis by our ‘starting side’ I decided to freshen up the team with a new starting combination. I am not sure if this played a role 😀. Anyways credit to Kabras they played well and they deserved to win, as I had mentioned earlier, having that special player in your team makes it easy to win. Tanga and Kubu are such players!”

Q3. You went on to lift the series title, what would you say made your side stand out?
Consistency in our performance!”

Q4. How would you summarise your team’s performance in the 2022 National sevens circuit?
Our goal from the get go was to win the series which we did! My boys were Brave, hungry, efficient and consistent.

Q5. Closing word to your club’s fans and what can they look forward to?
“We appreciate the support and encouragement they give us through and through. Our goal is to make Oilers the best team in East and Central Africa, we will continue to build this team to reach such heights.”

Maria Otieno – Yamanashi Impala RFC

Those who Train-Play! There are no superstars in my team!

The Queens of the 2022 Prinsloo 7s – Yamanashi Impala

Q1. Coming into Prinsloo, you had finished fourth at Kabeberi and third in Christie, what did you change to see that continous improvement?
“First, we came into Kabeberi as the defending series champions, we had underestimated the other teams who had obviously put in a lot of work. So we had to improve our game at the Christie sevens. One of the major challenges we faced this season was consistency of players during training. To remedy this, I introduced the principal that: Those who Train-Play! There are no superstars in my team!”

Q2. How would you summarise your team’s performance in the 2022 National sevens circuit?
“Our display was not as per my expectation our target was to finish overall champions, we finished 3rd overall. Nonetheless we have several call ups to the national squad currently, we arethe club with the highest representation in the national team, that is always good to see!”

Q3. What impact would you say the prize money from Betsafe had on not only your team but the competition?
“The Prize money made more clubs to rally their women sides to play but more importantly it was a huge motivation and the girls put in not only their best performance but their hearts and passion in it!”

Q4. Closing word to your club’s fans and what can they look forward to?
“To our fans who have been supporting and rallying behind us this season, next season we promise them some entertaining rugby and a couple of wins and trophies!”

Last but definitely not least, the sixth leg winning coach at the 2022 National sevens series, Max Adaka of Kabras.

Max Adaka – Kabras Sugar RFC

Every weekend we were had no option but to improve!

The Kings of the 2022 Kakamega 7s – Kabras RFC

Q1. It had been a topsy turvy campaign heading to your ‘home’ leg, what did you change to ensure that you won the Kakamega 7s?
“Nothing much, we had to work on the players’ mental strength, and sevens game awareness, plus the addition of the Kenya Simbas quartet boosted the morale of the team.”

Q2. How would you summarise your team’s performance in the 2022 National sevens circuit?
“The team has been improving bit by bit, our goal was to do better than the previous outing, meaning every weekend we were had no option but to improve!”

Q3. What impact would you say the prize money from Betsafe had on not only your team but the competition?
“It’s good to see sponsors investing in the game, it actually brought more competition in the sevens, as you witnessed each and every leg had it’s own winner.”

Q4. Closing word to your club’s fans and what can they look forward to?
“To the fans, I can tell them to expect more from the youngsters that represented us in the sevens, most of them being the very first time playing sevens. Next season it’s going to be better!”

There you have it ladies and gentlemen, I don’t think I can add much to what the honchos have said, other than to thank them for taking their time to share with us their experiences during this season and wish them all the best in the coming seasons!

Remember you can recap the exhilirating journey that was the 2022 National Sevens series, by clicking the button below!

KWISHA… Nimeruka Nje!!!

Share this

Poghie

A rugby fan having fun!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You Will Also Be Interested In...

Sevens Series

Nax Vegas, Is That You?

Four legs done, two to go and it is time for rugby’s favourite town, now city, Nakuru, for the penultimate leg of the 2022 National sevens series, the Prinsloo sevens. Things couldn’t be more evenly poised at the top of the series standings as we head to Nax Vegas, with KCB and Menengai Oilers separated […]

Share this
Read More...
Sevens Series

The Dala Sevens Talking Points

Yurop…Done! So what stood out from the fourth leg of the 2022 National sevens series? 4 Legs, 4 Winners! Homeboyz RFC became the fourth side to claim a leg title in the 2022 series, the Djs edging out Oilers 19-14 in the Cup final. If this trend were to hold to the end, this would […]

Share this
Read More...
Sevens Series

Dala 7s, Where The Big Boys Come Out To Play!

The fourth leg of the 2022 National sevens circuit, the Dala sevens, is set for this weekend at the freshly refurbished Jommo Kenyatta international stadium, Kisumu. This is where the big boys come out play! Want a quick recap of the series so far? Click Here –The National Sevens Series 2022 Dala will be the […]

Share this
Read More...