T. NashipaeMwamba RFC captain Ronnie Omondi enchanted after Driftwood 7s Dream Team inclusion
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Reading Time: 4min | Mon. 10.07.23. | 17:44
The captain made his international debut during the 2022/23 World Rugby 7s Series during the second and third legs in Dubai and Cape Town
Mwamba RFC Captain Ronnie Omondi left the Coastal City in all smiles after being included in the 2023 Driftwood 7s Dream Team. The tournament was held at the Mombasa Sports Club from July 8-9 with Kabras RFC drowning Menengai Oilers in 10-7 sweetness to lift the title that was held by Mwamba RFC.
The 'Pocket Rocket' was among the notable stars that lit up the opening two legs of a pulsating 7s circuit, with selectors eyeing a team that will reclaim Kenya's lost world 7s glory. Kenya Sevens was relegated from the World Rugby Sevens Series for the first time in 23 years.
Omondi made his international 7s debut during the second and third legs of the 2023 Sevens World Series in Dubai and Cape Town after he impressed in the 2022 circuit.
In the concluded two legs of the 2023 circuit, the scrum half led Mwamba's onslaught in each battle, reminding all the naysayers why he deserved to be crowned.
Despite an eye injury on day one of Dala 7s, Omondi led by example, giving Kulabu the much-needed go-forward. He is a thorn in the flesh for any defense and arguably the most valuable player for Mwamba RFC at the moment.
The dynamic captain may not have seen his team claim the top spot in the competition, but his exceptional performance earned him a well-deserved spot in the prestigious Driftwood 7s Dream Team.
Just like their Lakeside performance, Mwamba RFC were slow off the blocks in Driftwood, crashing out of the main cup quarters, but were quick to make amends with a fifth-place win over Kisumu RFC.
The Railway-based club ticked all their boxes on day one, following wins over Kabarak University (17-14), Daystar Falcons (17-12), and Kenya Harlequins (17-14). They would start their final day with a 7-0 loss to National 7s Circuit defending champions Menengai Oilers before whitewashing Kisumu RFC 19-0 in the fifth-place playoff.
Speaking to Mozzart Sport, the Pocket Rocket was impressed by the dream team appearance, noting that it motivated him to soar higher.
"It feels good to be included in the dream team because it shows that there's something positive that I'm doing and people can see it. So it's always a big motivation to be in it. I'll just keep on doing what I have been doing. Ticking the small boxes I have set for myself and also the boxes we've set as a team and it will definitely pay off in the next tournaments," he assured.
Despite Kulabu failing to retain the title they won last year in the same Mombasa Sports Club, Omondi was optimistic that the team would bounce back stronger after the break. The 2023 National 7s Circuit will take a three-weeks' break to pave way for the Junior World Rugby Trophy tournament that will be held for the first time in Nairobi, Nyayo Stadium from July 15-30. The circuit will then resume with the Prinsloo 7s set for Nakuru from August 5-6.
"For us as a club we're still trying to get some combinations that will work in our favour and also we have a couple of injuries that are not making that process any easier. So this three week break will definitely help us get the injured boys back on board and hopefully we'll have a full house by Prinsloo 7s," he told Mozzart Sport.
According to Omondi, he has set his gaze on leading Kulabu to achieve remarkable feats in the subsequent tournaments, in addition to individual success.
"My main goal this season is to show people what I can do both on and off the pitch and also lead my team to winning titles in the upcoming tournaments," Omondi revealed.
The Black Men were missing the services of Namusasi and Tendwa who were regular starters last season. They also have big shoes to fill with Injera already part of the management, and Billy Odhiambo and Tony Owuor showing signs of slowing down. The return of the prodigal son; Steven Sikuta to partner Eliakim Kichoi and the availability of Shujaa ace Tony Omondi was a secret charm for the 2022 Driftwood 7s champions.
Driftwood 7s Dream Team
Ronnie Omondi - Mwamba RFC
Kevin Wekesa - Kabras RFC
Tony Maina - Menengai Oilers RFC
Vincent Onyala - KCB Rugby
Brian Tanga - Kabras RFC
Jone Kubu - Kabras RFC
Dennis Abukuse - Menengai Oilers RFC