KCB RFC set sights on National Sevens title

KCB RFC will be eyeing to reclaim the Kenya National Sevens Trophy they last won in 2023 as the fourth leg of the National Sevens Circuit heads to Embu this weekend.

The bankers have enjoyed an impressive run this season and currently sit at the top of the standings with 63 points, five ahead of second-placed Strathmore Leos.

Speaking after their Christie 7s victory, Strength and Conditioning coach Andrew Amonde expressed confidence in the squad’s readiness, noting that player rotation will be key in maintaining consistency across the remaining legs.

“We are happy that so far, we do not have any major niggles in the squad, but again, we have some players who have not fully participated in this year’s tournament. We might have a different team in the coming tournament, and this is just to ensure that we are not fatigued and we have a full representation,” said Amonde.

The former National Sevens team captain added that the team’s priority is to sustain their strong form after making three finals in three legs this season.

“It has been a fair run in the last two opening rounds, but now our focus should just be on maintaining our performance and extending the gap at the top. We have made it to the finals three times in three legs, and that should be the goal in all the remaining legs,” he emphasised.

One of the standout players in KCB’s impressive run has been Floyd Wabwire, a speedster who has amassed 115 points in just three tournaments, the Driftwood Sevens, Prinsloo Sevens, and Christie Sevens.

At the Christie Sevens, he was named the Player of the Final and top try scorer with eight tries, taking his overall tally to 21 tries and placing him at the top of the National Sevens Circuit.

KCB claimed the Driftwood 7s title after edging Strathmore Leos 15-14, but later fell to them in the Prinsloo 7s final, where Strathmore triumphed 24-07.

The two sides were tied at the top of the overall standings with 41 points each after two legs.

The Banker’s winning the Christie 7s opened the 5-point gap, especially after Leos failed to make it to the finals.

KCB RFC has lifted the National Sevens Trophy five times, in 2013, 2014, 2019, and most recently in 2023, and will be aiming to add a sixth title this season.