Kabeberi tourney kicks off seven-a-side circuit

 
The Kabeberi seven-a-side rugby tournament kicks off from 9am today at the Rugby Football Union of East Africa ground in a bumper weekend for rugby.

This is the first tournament of the Kenya Rugby Football Union's Tusker National Sevens Circuit.

Ulinzi have won the last two tournaments and could, again, be the team to beat. Drawn in Pool 'A', which also has Nakuru, United States International University-Africa and Mwamba II, the soldiers are not taking any chances and will give due respect to their opponents.

Paddling through the turbulent sevens waters, Ulinzi acknowledge that there are other teams gunning for the title but they remain focused. This pool is likely to be a close battle between Nakuru, USIU-A and Ulinzi. One writes off Mwamba II at their own peril.

If there is any team that could give Ulinzi and Nakuru a headache, then it is USIU-A. They are unbeaten in the Eric Shirley Shield League and boast of young lads whom coach Joe Muniafu has been grooming for the past two years. It is in the shorter version of the game that USIU-A have proved their formidability. Their form last year made the top teams stand and take notice.

Their playmaker will definitely be Amos Agiro, who is strong and creates scoring chances.

On a good day, Nakuru can upset any team. The return of former Kenya Sevens player Enos Otieno is a big boost. He combines quite well with Edwin Shimenga as a forward, leaving the running to Ken Kanyi, Simon Wariuki and Ben Kamau. 

For Ulinzi, sheer determination and top fitness is standard. The point man is Dennis Mwanja nicknamed "Ironman" for his strong running. One of the players to look out for would be Humphrey Kayangi, a utility player who could be used as a forward especially in the lineouts.

Pool 'B' should be a straight battle between Impala and Mean Machine.

The Impala stable has Kenya captain Oscar Osir and Bill Odongo, the most experienced players on the side. Osir is a good schemer and reads the game well while Odongo is useful in the forward line. If they win the battle upfront, then it will depend on how fast scrum-half Moses Kola can scramble the ball to the backs where he has enough speedy players. They include the Simiyu brothers Victor and Ian. 

Returning to the side are former national seven-a-side players Philip Mwenesi, Allan Wamanga and Mitch Ocholla. Three more players – Ted Omondi, Felix Makori and Dan Weku – have climbed through the ranks and could be fielded. 

Mean Machine are unpredictable. Youthful Emmanuel Wanjala, Mike Gitaru, Paul Sadat, Fred Nzui, Sean Omondi, Evans Maiyo, Caleb Lagat, Sidney Achayo and Ken Nyagetuba are some of the key players. 

In Pool 'C', Kenya Harlequin and Mwamba are tipped to carry the day. Hosts Mwamba are stubborn when it comes to Kabeberi Sevens. Last year, the black shirts reached the semi-final. Steve Olweya, the Mwamba captain promised that they would give a good show. 

The Asego brothers, Lavin and Larry will spearhead the attack. Emmanuel Okoth has ruled himself out leaving his younger brother Edward Rombo to represent the family. Two national team players John-Scott Otieno and John Onyango will add the spice.

Watch out for Blak Blad and KCITI who made their debut last year and are quickly learning the ropes of the trade. 

Pool 'D' should see another close fight between Nondies and Kenya Commercial Bank.

Coach Michael 'Tank' Otieno is wary of the form of the top teams. The former Mwamba player rates Quins, Impala, Mean Machine, Ulinzi and Nondies as some of the teams to look out for.

KCB has a good blend of youth and experience. Mark Mshila, Newton Ong'alo, Evans Watimah are in the national seven-a-side squad while Derrick Wamalwa is a sure choice in the forwards.

Add to these Elijah Toili, Howard Kimani, Felix Wakabi and Kevin Mahebo and one has a team good enough to reach the main cup semi-finals.

Nondies captain Charles Cardovillis has Ben Nyambu, Benjamin Ayimba, Charles Kanyi and Kanyi Gitonga who all play for Kenya. 

Kisumu will field three guest players Richard Nyakwaka (Impala), Silas Amunga (Mombasa Sports Club) and Dennis Lusisa (JKUAT). The rest of the players of the side captained by Mike Otieno are Carl Okello, Kevin Ndaga, Eric Gangla, Fred Maube, Owuor Okeyo, David Maube and Geoff Aduda. 

The big cheer will be reserved for the four women's teams in this annual event. This is the only tournament which attracts women's teams and this time, two are coming from Uganda. It will be interesting to see what strides women's rugby in Kenya and Uganda has taken.