Kisumu RFC head coach Lawi Buyachi has challenged his charges to maximise on the home advantage to win the opening leg of Kenya Rugby Union (KGU) National Sevens Circuit this weekend
The two-day championship will be played at the Jomo Kenyatta stadium in Kisumu.
The hosts have been pooled alongside Strathmore Leos, Kabras Sugar and Daystar University Falcons in pool C. This is according to the draw released by the union on Tuesday.
He said that the event will be attractive and competitive because as an opener, many teams will be battling for the first title of the seaso.
This comes following the postponement of Tisap 7s in Eldoret that was to be played last weekend before it was rescheduled for July 24th to 25 at the Eldoret Sports Club.
“It will be an incredible experience for fans since this is the season opener, where all teams will be making their way here,” he said.
The former South Coast Pirates Coach also reflected on the team’s steady growth, noting that since they climbed to the top tier, they have caught the eyes of investors.
“Kisumu RFC was promoted to the Kenya Cup side after defeating Daystar University Falcons 19-7 in a KRU Championship semifinal match played at the Strathmore University Grounds on March 4th.
The two day event that kicks off on Saturday 1st, will come to an end on Sunday 2nd July where Buyachi said they are putting up some final touches in preparations to captivate the senses of fans and awe them in the beauty of the game.
“We are finalizing our preparations because we shall be hosting one of the biggest events in the rugby world,” said Buyachi.
Initially, the tournament was to be played under floodlights, but it was later changed by the Kenya Rugby Union and will be played during the day just like any other meetings across the country.
“We wanted this event to be very special to players and fans. Being the opening round of the circuit, we wanted it to happen under the floodlights to be so special but it was later changed,” added Buyachi.
The club, alongside Nondescripts, Kisumu RFC was promoted to Kenya Cup in the 15s following their victory against Daystar Falcons.
Series defending champions Menengai Oilers are seeded top in pool A alongside Nakuru RFC, Nondescripts and Catholic University side the Monks.
The meeting champions Homeboyz who beat Oilers 19-14 at the finals are in pool D and will be up against Mwamba, Western Bulls and promoted side Makueni RFC.
Dala 7s pools
Pool A: Menengai Oilers, Nakuru, Nondescripts and Catholic Monks.
Pool B: KCB, Kenya Harlequins, Masinde Muliro and Mombasa RFC.
Pool C: Strathmore Leos, Kabras Sugar, Daystar Falcons and Kisumu RFC.
Pool D: Homeboyz, Mwamba, Western Bulls and Makueni RFC