Kisumu RFC coach keen to use National Sevens Circuit to prepare for Kenya Cup return

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RUGBY Kisumu RFC coach keen to use National Sevens Circuit to prepare for Kenya Cup return

Joel Omotto 16:00 - 14.06.2023

The lakeside club will host the opening Dala Sevens leg when the series kicks off on July 1.

Kisumu RFC coach Lawi Buyachi feels the National Sevens Circuit will help his side prepare well for the Kenya Cup having secured promotion back to the top flight.

Kisumu hosts the opening leg of the series with the Dala Sevens scheduled for July 1 at the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Mamboleo and Buyanchi, whose side was relegated in 2020, thinks the tournament is just what they need ahead of the grueling campaign.

“It’s an exciting moment for Kisumu RFC, there is an excitement that is going around after qualifying for Kenya Cup. Being the season opener is something that is working for us,” said Buyachi.

“We are ready, we have played a couple of friendlies, the highlight being the sugar belt sevens series. The boys played well, just a few missing screws but we will find them a long the way before the actual day.”

The lakeside team secured their place back in the top flight after beating high-flying Daystar 19-7 in the Championship semi-final in May and even though they lost to Nondies 24-6 in the final, they had already sealed their slot by then.

The kick off dates for the National Sevens Circuit was rescheduled owing to the changes in dates for the Tisap Sevens which was originally set for June 24 in Eldoret with the tournament now set to be held on September 2 at the Eldoret Sports Club.

The coastal city of Mombasa will host the second round, the Driftwood Sevens, at the Mombasa Sports Club on July 8, before the circuit breaks for the World Rugby U20 Trophy taking place in Nairobi from July 15-30.

Nakuru will play host to the third round, the Prinsloo Sevens at the Nakuru Athletic Club on August 5 before Nairobi’s RFUEA Ground hosts the Christie Sevens on August 12.

Nairobi will also play host to the circuit finale when the George Mwangi Kabeberi Memorial Sevens is held on September 9.

First played in 1999, the National Sevens Circuit is an annual series of rugby sevens tournaments run by host clubs in conjunction with the KRU featuring teams from across the country.

The 2023 season will take on more importance as it will also be used to select players for the Kenya Sevens team ahead of major assignments that include the Olympics qualifiers and next season’s Challenger Series.