Prinsloo 7s Preview

The fourth leg of the Safaricom sevens series, The Prinsloo Sevens will be staged at the Nakuru Athletic Club on the 31st of August and 1st of September.

This will be the 7th edition of the Prinsloo sevens, having been first played in 2007 at the same venue and has become a fan favourite over the years. With up to four sides battling for the overall title you feel that this year the action on the pitch will be just as exciting as it will be off it.

Mwamba are still perched on the top of the standings with 55 points, they are followed by KCB on 52 points, Quins on 51 and Strathmore on 47. The battle is down to the first three but Strathmore are still in it provided that the teams above have a catastrophic meltdown from here.

Pool A

Recently crowned Driftwood Champions and defending Prinsloo Champions KCB, headline Pool A and are pitted against Impala, Western Bulls and Eldoret. The Lions know what to expect from these sides having played them before with a notable degree of success.

In Mombasa the Lions managed to defend the first of two titles they won last year, the second one is the Prinsloo. They will be hoping to make it two with two but will know that the odds are stacked against them. So far this season has seen an interesting trend where the winner from the previous tournament has failed to make it past the Cup quarter finals in the next. Will KCB be able to break that trend?

The return of Kenya sevens captain Andrew Amonde and the experienced Dennis Mwanja should go a long way towards ensuring that the side doesn't fall victim to the 'jinx'.

KCB celebrating their win in Prinsloo (Photo - Safaricom)

Impala have had a good run this far, winning the plate in Dala, then a 4th spot finish in Kabeberi before bowing out at the Plate semi in Mombasa. They welcome their dynamic trio of George Okowa, Sammy Oliech and captain Robert 'Majei' Aringo, who were missing in Mombasa. The battle for top spot is expected to be between them and KCB with the Bulls lurking on the fringes, a side they have so far met thrice and beaten once.

The Bulls failed to make it to the cup competition for the first time this season in Mombasa. They managed to pick themselves up and win the Bowl, and will be looking to get back into the cup in Nakuru. They will fancy their chances in this pool having played these sides before.

Eldoret will be making their return to the circuit after missing the Driftwood leg. They will not be expected to make it to the Cup, but they are always a great side to watch, especially when they play the Bulls.

Pool B

Current series champions Quins headline Pool B where they are joined by hosts Nakuru, Kisumu and Mombasa. In a pool that features 4 of the 5 teams that host a leg in the series.

Quins have been on a steady improving curve so far, finishing 4th in Dala, 3rd in Kabeberi and 2nd in Driftwood. Should they keep this run going, they are set to lift the title in Nakuru. The return of Felix Ayange had a great impact on the side and with the possibility of Wilson Kopondo coming back too, you feel the quartered shirts will be that much harder to beat.

Felix Ayange in action.

Hosts Nakuru have also been on a steady upward curve, a Bowl semi final exit in Dala, winning the category in Nairobi and then losing in the Plate semi in Mombasa. Should they maintain that curve, they should win the Plate. But with the said return of one Oscar Ouma, add that to the fact that they will be playing in their backyard, that curve might be experiencing a steep elevation.

Kisumu kept their run in the Bowl going in Mombasa, losing in the final to the Bulls. The Kondele boys however miss the Cup by very slight margins, and will be looking to make it right in Nakuru and upset one of the two favourites to make it to the cup.

Mombasa will be playing in their second tournament in the series, and will do well to get a win here as they struggled back at home.

Pool C

Current series leaders Mwamba are the top side in Pool C, battling it out against Kabeberi champions Homeboyz, Blak Blad and Nondies.

Mwamba are yet to pick up a title this season but have made it to two finals and finishing in 3rd with a fairly young squad.They will know that the chasing pack will be baying for their blood and waiting to pounce on any slip up. Maybe it is with this in mind that Kulabu are said to have brought in the big guns, Lavin Asego, Collins Injera and a possibility of that man Tall making an appearance at some stage in Nakuru. If the trio do indeed turn up, they will be firm favourites to pick up this trophy and the series.

Mike Agevi against Kisumu.

Homeboyz fell to the 'jinx' that befell Dala champions Strathmore, losing at the Plate final in Mombasa. The Djs will again be without their U-19 contingent that is led by head coach Paul Murunga and will have an uphill task in Nakuru. They will be looking for a strong start here as the first loss to Nakuru in Mombasa dealt them a major morale blow.

Blak Blad have been average at best this season, falling hard from the displays they showed last season. Two Bowl semi finals their best return. They will have to quickly wake up if they are to salvage anything from the remaining legs.

Nondies have been the definition of blowing hot and cold so far (haven't they always been?), even though they have only played in two tournaments.  Impressing many in Kabeberi and giving the impression that this will be a squad that will challenge for the cup in the remaining legs. Come Mombasa and they capitulate and lose in the Shield final. The Rangers will have to get back into their stride in a tough looking pool, but with a shaken up squad that features Ronnie Mwenesi, they should be up to the challenge.

Pool D

Driftwood's surprise package Kabras Sugar RFC headline Pool D, and will do battle against Strathmore, Daystar and Machine.

All eyes will be on Kabras, to see whether they can match up to their run in Mombasa. It will be one of two things for the sugar boys, an equally impressive run maybe even better, or a buckle under the pressure of expectation. With experienced heads in the side, the latter looks to be a far fetched result. You feel that they will be set for another impressive run.

Brian Nyikuli for Kabras.

Strathmore have been struggling to replicate the form that saw them clinch the Dala title. Playing in the Plate category for the last two tournaments. Having won it in Mombasa, the Leos will feel that it is time that they got back to challenging for the title. They will also fancy a shot at the giant killers Kabras, who they are yet to meet.

After making it to the Cup quarter finals in Dala, the Falcons of Daystar have failed to soar as high. They have been pooled alongside Strathmore for the third time in a row and will be looking to finally get one over the Leos, which will be a gigantic task.

Machine have been disappointing at best this season, 7 points from three legs a shame really for the Eschuma. They will be surely looking to salvage any pride they have left in Nakuru and probably put up their best posting in Nakuru.

Division II

With Kabras now permanent division 1 residents, the battle for the title here is as wide open as the rift valley. TUK picked it up in Mombasa, narrowly getting past Catholic University in the final. KCA, Masaku and Thika will be hoping to get it this time round. The relegation of Egerton from the first division, should spice up that battle even further. Here are the Pools :

Pool E : Technical University of Kenya, Egerton University, Moi University, Rift Valley Institute.
Pool F : Catholic University, KPAWest Campus Moi University, Kakamega RFC, Naivasha
Pool G : KCA, Comras, Kericho, Molo
Pool H : Masaku, Thika, University Eldoret, Webuye.

It is bound to be the most competitive leg so far in the series, and from what we have seen in the three tournaments played, expect anything.

Do enjoy the rugby at the rift, don't get carried away by events off it and remember, What happens in Naxvegas.....let's compare notes on Monday.


KWISHA..Nimeruka Nje!!!!