Mean Machine poised for Division One return in Embu

Three-time Kenya Cup champions Mean Machine are back in Division One rugby and will feature at this weekend’s Embu Sevens.

The last time Eschuma played top-flight Sevens was in 2022 at the opening leg of the circuit, the Kabeberi 7s, where they finished 15th after losing to Impala in the 13th-place semifinal.

This season, the university side has been battling in Division Two, finishing fourth at the Driftwood 7s and 15th at the Prinsloo 7s.

Head coach Elly Mukaizi, a former Kenya Simba’s flanker, attributes the inconsistency to squad rotation.

"We have had mixed results in Division Two so far. We had a good campaign in Mombasa, but Prinsloo was different.

Being a university, we have a vast pool of players, and we have to rotate to give everyone a chance. That affected our results in Prinsloo," Mukaizi explained.

Despite the challenges, the tactician believes his charges are ready for the Embu showdown.

"The boys are in high spirits. We have had good training sessions, and the challenge of Division One is something they’ve been asking for. I am confident they will bring their A-game.

“Missing out on Christie 7s seeding gave us time to work on our weaknesses, and that will help us in Embu."

Mean Machine are no strangers to Embu 7s, having lifted the title in 2014 and 2018. This time, however, the goal is survival in Division One.

"Our target going to Embu is to maintain Division One status. We need to ensure we finish at least in the top 12," Mukaizi said.

The students have been drawn in a tricky Pool C, where they will face Menengai Oilers, Nondescripts, and Nakuru RFC.