Amonde backs KCB to retain Driftwood Sevens title
The Star · unknown author · 2026-08-19T04:23:13+00:00 · nguồn gốc
Fresh from retaining the Kabeberi Sevens title, KCB head coach Andrew Amonde believes his side are hitting top form at the right time as they target another triumph at the Driftwood Sevens in Mombasa this weekend.
The bankers edged Strathmore Leos 14-12 in a tense final at Kabeberi over the weekend, a result Amonde says underlined the character within his squad ahead of the fourth leg of the 2026 National Sevens Circuit.
“We were below par in the last outing, the Dala Sevens, but the boys fought for each other and delivered the win against a quality opponent in Strathmore, who last season was our bogey team,” said Amonde.
KCB have been drawn in Pool B alongside Uganda Sevens, Kisumu RFC and Blak Blad. The champions survived a major scare from Strathmore in the Kabeberi main Cup quarter-final, squeezing through 7-5, but Amonde was encouraged by his players’ resilience.
“We have brought in a few new faces to the side, and it takes a while, but we have ticked the boxes well and now we can set our sights on going all out to retain the Driftwood Sevens this coming weekend,” he said.
Pool A shapes up as the tournament’s pool of death, with Quins, Kabras, Nondies and hosts Mombasa Sports Club battling for the two knockout places. Menengai Oilers headline Pool C alongside Daystar Falcons, Nakuru RFC and debutants Kilifi RFC.
Kabeberi runners-up Strathmore Leos will face Mwamba, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology and Division Two champions NYS Spades in Pool D. The Driftwood Sevens has received a major boost after Tusker announced a Sh1.5 million sponsorship for the tournament, reaffirming the brand’s commitment to the 2026 National Sevens Circuit.
The sponsorship will support the organisation and delivery of the competition while enhancing the experience for fans attending the coastal tournament. Tusker will also bring its Tusker Na Rugby experience to Mombasa, including entertainment and the official after-party, as part of efforts to combine rugby with memorable fan experiences.
The Driftwood Sevens comes at a crucial stage of the circuit following the opening legs in Nakuru, Kisumu and Nairobi. KCB lead the standings with 58 points, followed by Kabras on 51, Quins on 45, Menengai Oilers on 43 and Strathmore Leos on 39.
With the standings tightly contested behind the leaders, Amonde’s charges will be aiming to strengthen their grip on the circuit while defending their Driftwood crown.