Strathmore Leos' youngster reveals strategy behind National 7s Circuit heroics
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Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 02.10.25. | 07:50
The 2025 circuit was Wafula’s first taste of top-level sevens rugby, and he made the opportunity count
When Strathmore Leos lined up for the 2025 National Sevens Circuit, few anticipated that one of their youngest players would emerge as the team’s most decisive weapon.
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Samuel Wafula, often introduced as a second-half substitute, consistently turned his limited minutes into match-winning moments, and his impact was central to the Leos’ remarkable campaign.
The Embu 7s final provided the perfect stage. Strathmore held a slim 24-21 lead against KCB Rugby in the dying minutes when Wafula received the ball.
Most expected him to kick into touch to run down the clock, but instead, he backed his instincts. Wafula sliced through the Bankers’ defense to score a decisive try, stretching the lead to 29-21 before the conversion.
That moment cemented his reputation as the ultimate game-changer.
Reflecting on the pressure-filled moment, Wafula noted that he did what he had to do for the team.
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“Normally, when you come in as a sub, you know the coach believes and trusts in you to bring an impact. At that time, I was composed.
I had not scored any tries during Embu 7s, and I had three from Christie. I had to do what I did,” the smiling youngster offered.
The 2025 circuit was Wafula’s first taste of top-level sevens rugby, and he made the opportunity count.
“This was my first time playing the top league, and it has been memorable. Being part of the Strathmore Leos team is just amazing,” he said.
Wafula further explained that his role off the bench was part of a deliberate team strategy rather than a coincidence.
“We have strong forwards with specific roles, especially at the start of games. They always go for high balls.
For me, because of height and flight, I cannot maintain those balls. So the coach fields them first to create a platform, and then I come in to play my role. Mostly, we win our games through ball retention,” he averred.
His contributions helped propel Strathmore Leos to their best finish in years. The students closed the circuit second on the log with 105 points, a major improvement from last season’s fifth-place finish on 78 points.
