Mwamba RFC out to turn the tides in Christie 7s

2014 Christie 7s winners Mwamba RFC are hoping to better their Prinsloo 7s performance when they make a short trip to the RFUEA Grounds for the 2023 Christie 7s pencilled for August 12-13.

The side has registered a series of mixed results since the 2023 National 7s Circuit kicked off, crushing out of three quarterfinals. They maintained a fifth-place in Dala and Driftwood before a fifth place finish in the fast-paced Prinsloo 7s.

Collins Injera’s charges kicked off their visit to Nakuru with a 10-7 victory over Zetech Oaks. Their fine form continued when they defeated Daystar Falcons 19-12 in the second pool match. They, however, went down 19-14 to Strathmore Leos.

The Black Men then started off their final day on the wrong footing, losing 21-0 to Kenya Harlequins in the final quarterfinal match. They then avenged against Strathmore Leos 22-19 in the fifth-place final.

Mwamba RFC captain Ronnie Omondi said that the side was looking to hone their skills to see them go past the quarterfinals stage in the upcoming Christie 7s.

“We fell short again at the quarter-final stage for the third time in a row. We also bagged the third Plate of the season. It's obviously not the place we want to be as a club but hopefully we'll improve heading to Christie's,” Omondi disclosed.

The captain also noted that they were unlucky to have injuries that affected their play. Mwamba RFC only had nine players during their second day in Nakuru. Omondi also played despite an eye injury on day one of Prinsloo. The side was also missing the services of Eliakim Kichoi who is a key player.

“We had several injuries that forced us to play with 9 players during Day 2 in Nakuru. We plan to get some of the injured players back in the squad and also sort out some of our plays and defense that didn't really work in our favor over the weekend,” the Kenya 7s International explained.

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Heading to the fourth leg of the circuit, the Shujaa playmaker noted that they are anticipating an uncertain task. Mwamba have been placed in Pool D which will see them lock horns with Menengai Oilers, Nondescripts, and Sigalagala RFC.

It will be their third meeting with the Oilers. Nondies, Sigalagala, and Mwamba have not shared a pool since the 2023 circuit kicked off. Sigalagala was recently promoted to Division I after winning over Makueni RFC in the Division II finals.

“Every team now in the circuit is a worthy opponent. From the pool stage where we'll be facing the Oilers for the third time this season, it's not been an easy encounter against them. Nondies and Sigalagala, we don't know what to expect from them,” Omondi said.

Christie 7s Pools

Pool A: Kabras Sugar, Nakuru RFC, MMUST RFC, Impala RFC

Pool B: Kenya Harlequins, Homeboyz RFC Daystar Falcons, Blak Blad RFC

Pool C: KCB Rugby, Strathmore Leos, Catholic Monks, Kisumu RFC

Pool D: Menengai Oilers, Mwamba RFC, Nondescripts, Sigalagala RFC