Willis Ojal explains why Strathmore Leos failed to defend Prinsloo 7s title
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Reading Time: 3min | Tue. 28.07.26. | 18:24
The Leos were forced to settle for the Challenge Trophy, where they defeated Menengai Oilers in the final to finish ninth overall
Strathmore Leos head coach Willis Ojal has attributed his side's failure to defend the Prinsloo 7s title to the departure of key players and injuries that disrupted the team's campaign in Nakuru.
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The 2025 champions endured a disappointing start to the 2026 National Sevens Circuit opening leg, suffering a 19-14 defeat to Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) Rugby in their opening pool match.
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They bounced back with a commanding 36-0 victory over Kisumu RFC before playing out a 5-5 draw with Daystar Falcons. However, the results left them third in Pool C, denying them a place in the Cup quarterfinals.
The Leos were forced to settle for the Challenge Trophy, where they defeated Embu RFC 19-0 in the quarterfinals and Impala RFC 22-5 in the semifinals before overcoming Menengai Oilers in the final to finish ninth overall.
Reflecting on the tournament, Ojal admitted his side fell below expectations but believes the experience will benefit the club's next generation of players.
"We performed way below par, but also a very good learning curve for the young boys who have never played in the National 7s Circuit. They ended up having more game time than they anticipated, so I am hoping it can only get better,” Ojal offered.
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The Leos came into the tournament without several influential players from last season's title-winning squad. Star playmaker Nygel Amaitsa joined KCB Rugby during the transfer window, while Barnabas Owuor moved to Nondescripts RFC, leaving sizeable gaps in the squad.
Ojal acknowledged the departures, particularly that of Owuor, but noted that rebuilding is part of life for a university side.
"Most definitely, especially Barnabas Owuor. But that is the nature of university clubs. Every year you have to lose a few players, but it is about rebuilding. Hopefully in a year or two, the young boys will be the ones we are depending on,” he said.
In addition to the exits, Strathmore also had to contend with injuries to several key players, including Victor Mola, Gabriel Ayimba and Collins Maina, forcing the coaching staff to rotate the squad throughout the tournament.
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"We had a few injuries in this tournament; that is why we kept rotating the squad. We just want to see whether the injured players will pick up. The likes of Gabby, Mola, and Collo all had nigglings and we were trying to preserve them, so let us see how that goes,” he averred.
Despite the underwhelming finish, Ojal remains optimistic that the setback will accelerate the development of the club's younger players.
"It is still a blessing in disguise because we get to develop new talent,” Ojal said.
Strathmore will now turn their attention to the second leg of the National Sevens Circuit, the Dala 7s, where they have been drawn in a challenging Pool D alongside Nakuru RFC, Kabras RFC and an invitational side whose participation is yet to be confirmed.