Teams Converge Ready for Mombasa Driftwood Rugby 7S
By Harrison Kivisu and Mwakwaya Raymond
Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com
The fifth leg of this year’s national sevens circuit is all set as teams continue to arrive at the Mombasa Sports Club for weekend’s (September 7 and 8) matches.
The Driftwood Sevens rugby championship will see defending champions Kabras Sugar RFC try to yet again stamp its authority and seek to retain its trophy against other pooled tough opponents.
The current champs are pooled in Group C, often dubbed the ‘group of death’ alongside Kenya Harlequin, Nakuru RFC, and Mwamba RFC.
Currently, Kabras stands at the second position in the national standings with 73 points and will be seeking to redeem themselves in the competition after a bad show at the Kabeberi sevens.
Kenya Rugby Union representative, Kevin Odhiambo who also doubles as tournament director of the national sevens circuit, says the fifth leg will witness a battle royale due to the best atmosphere.
“This is the second last leg, so the competition is very high,” he said.
The tournament features 16 division one teams and 20 division which have all confirmed to participate in the Mombasa tourney.
“It’s a three horse race ideally in the rugby sport, watch out for Kabras Sugar, KCB, Kenya harlequins and in the exciting side we have catholic university and Menengai oilers.”
KCB Rugby, who are looking to defend their National Sevens Circuit title will aim to carry their fine form from Nairobi into Mombasa.
The Bankers are also eyeing their fourth Driftwood 7s title, having previously won it in 2012, 2013, and 2019.
The Bankers are in Pool A alongside MMUST Rugby, Blak Blad and Mombasa Sports Club teams.
Pool B has the following teams: Menengai Oilers, Daystar Falcons, Nondies and Tum Falcons.
Pool D comprise Catholic Monks, Strathmore Leons, Cabete Stallons and Zetech University.
Samuel Thuo, a representative of Kenya Breweries Limited, says they have sponsored the event to a tune of Sh3 million.
“On behalf of KBL and Tusker brand, we are proud to be part and parcel of this to a tune of Sh3 million. Therefore, we urge fans to come in large numbers and enjoy the tournament.”
Through the tourism chief officer Pauline Oginga, the Mombasa County government says the event is expected to attract over 5,000 enthusiasts who will spruce its tourism sector.
“This will make a great economic impact. So, we welcome all our guests to Mombasa and appeal to them to sample our hospitality and different varieties of foods we offer.”
