How Strathmore students outclassed star-studded KCB to clinch Embu 7s final
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Reading Time: 3min | Tue. 26.08.25. | 16:02
The Leos showed remarkable composure under pressure, sealing the win with a final try in the corner to make it 31-21 at full-time, sparking wild celebrations from the fans.
Strathmore Leos were in a class of their own, outplaying KCB Rugby to clinch the Embu 7s title in a closely contested final played on Sunday, 23 August at the ASK Njukiri Showground in Embu.
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The students were flawless from kickoff, scoring three quick tries that left fans in awe. Interestingly, all the first three tries were from the kickoff, leaving fans on the edge of their seats.
KCB eventually found their footing through Floyd Wabwire, who finished off a move initiated by Brian Wahinya. Wahinya slotted in the conversion to give the Bankers a lifeline heading into the break.
The second half brought drama as Strathmore were reduced to six men following an infringement by Gabriel Ayimba.
KCB capitalised on the numerical advantage, with Wabwire scoring twice in quick succession to close the gap to 24-21.
The Leos showed remarkable composure under pressure, sealing the win with a final try in the corner to make it 31-21 at full-time, sparking wild celebrations from the fans.
Speaking to Mozzart Sport, KCB Rugby tactician Dennis Mwanja noted that Strathmore’s intense first half won them the match.
While KCB displayed resilience, they settled late into the match, and, being a 14-minute game, their best came too late.
“It was disappointing, but it was a game. You make fewer mistakes, you win. So, we made more mistakes; I'd say we were not settled in the first half.
We settled late into the game. Nevertheless, we pick ourselves up from there,” Mwanja offered.
The tactician noted that the Leos’ high-octane first-half strategy was the difference.
“Strathmore played intensely in the first half, and afterwards, the intensity faded. Because the first half after scoring, you couldn't see them anymore.
That is when we got back into the game. That is the thing they have: playing an intense first half. Had they not scored in the first half, the result would have been different,” he continued.
Despite the loss, Mwanja praised his charges for their resilience and teamwork, noting the squad has made remarkable progress in the recent past.
“KCB are resilient, they are a team, and their tries are well worked. Ours is not individual play; it is teamwork. The ball is distributed across the field, there is cohesion, understanding of the game, and fluidity in the play.
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We did well. Getting into the finals is no mean feat. Not all teams get to the finals. I am proud of the boys for reaching the final. I cannot say we did anything wrong.
We just pick ourselves up. Because in this game, you blink, you miss. We didn't take our chances, and this is a game of who gets there first,” Mwanja averred.
Heading to the Kabeberi 7s, the Bankers have been placed in Pool D together with Menengai Oilers, Embu RFC, and Kisumu RFC. Notably, their match against the Oilers will be a repeat of the Christie 7s finals, where KCB emerged 19-5 victors.
“We will take a game at a time. We will do video analysis and tidy any areas we feel need correction,” Mwanja promised.
