The 2022 National 7s Circuit went down in history as arguably one of the most competitive circuits that saw different winners for different legs. KCB Rugby won Kabeberi 7s, Strathmore Leos (Christie’s 7s), Mwamba (Driftwood 7s). Menengai (Prinsloo 7s), and Kabras RFC (Kakamega 7s). What left fans in awe, however, was the dominance of Menengai Oilers. The Nakuru-based team grabbed the Prinsloo 7s title after a gruelling 12-7 win over Strathmore Leos in the finals played at the Nakuru Athletic Club on July 10, 2022.They would however lose to Kabras RFC 19-7 in the finals of the last leg, Kakamega 7s to deny them chances of bagging another title. Despite that, the history-chasers went on to win the coveted overall title after amassing 113 points.If their performance in the recently concluded Embu 7s is anything to go by, Oilers could be on the right track. The side had two teams; Menengai Cream and Menengai Zuri, all which performed well. Menengai Cream reached the finals but lost 26-0 to Strathmore Leos while Menengai Zuri settled for third place after a 19-12 win over Catholic Monks.As the countdown begins for a much-anticipated 2023 Circuit, Mozzart Sport chatted with Menengai Oilers Head Coach Gibson Weru alias Gibu, who noted that the side was meticulously sharpening claws ahead of the kickoff set for July 1.##NAJAVA_MECA_7331429##The former Kenya 7s International said that the past triumph was merely their stepping stone to greater heights. The 2022 victory was the maiden one for Menengai Oilers and the second one for Gibu who achieved a similar feat with Nakuru RFC in 2016.”As a team we are really excited at competing in the 7s circuit it’s fun playing rugby 7s and that prospect excites us. It’s a different year and that brings different challenges, last season counts for nothing in terms of expectations it reminds us how hard we have to work to be a top team again,” Gibu told Mozzart Sport. KCB rugby ready to roar in 2023 National 7s circuitAccording to the tactician, this year he will enjoy a variety of talent to choose from with the introduction of new faces like Herbert Ochieng, Davis Otundo, and Timothy Lugalia who will be looking to shine.”This year we have a wider player base as compared to last year due to the availability of our national team players. The experience that we got last year has made our preps much easier and detailed. We have some exciting new players who will be playing 7s for us for the first time,” he said.The gaffer also gave a glimpse to their preparations in the refinery as the boys geared up to defend the title, noting that they were sticking to the traditional principles of the game.”Preparations have been good. We have been working hard to make sure the team is fit enough physically and of course we are trying different things tactically. The principles of the game are the same attack/ defense and we have been working hard in all these areas,” he assured. Kisumu RFC promises Dala 7s ‘like no other’The former Nakuru RFC coach however anticipates a bittersweet 2023 showpiece, noting that some clubs and varsity sides pose a big threat.”In many years this will be the most competitive 7s circuit and that excite me as a coach. There are top teams out there who will be hard to be beat. Strathmore Leos, KCB Rugby, Kabras RFC, Kenya Harlequins, will be tough and the university sides Cooperative University of East Africa, and Daystar will be competitive,” he said. Oilers will kickstart their title quest with the Dala 7s showpiece set for July 1 and 2 at the Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Kisumu. They will be keen to better their 2022 Dala 7s performance where they lost 19-14 to Homeboyz RFC in the finals.
