In the heart of Kenya’s rugby scene, every decision carries weight, especially when it concerns the historic Mwamba RFC and Kabeberi 7s preparations. As the new National 7s Circuit approaches, the anticipation is palpable not only among die-hard fans but also within a club determined to reclaim its place at the summit.
A new venue and a fresh chapter for Kabeberi 7s
Change is in the air for the Kabeberi 7s. Mwamba RFC recently confirmed that the 2025 edition will shift from its initially planned home at the Goan Institute Sports Ground in Pangani to the iconic RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi. This adjustment comes after the club’s landmark partnership with the Goan Institute earlier in the year, which had set expectations of a permanent home base for Mwamba RFC from January 1, 2025.
Now, the RFUEA Grounds will host the much-anticipated fifth leg of the National 7s Circuit on 5–7 September. Tickets are set at Kshs 400 for advance regular and Kshs 1,000 for VIP, available through Mwamba’s digital platform. Had the Goan Institute hosted the event, it would have been the fourth distinct venue for the tournament in recent years, joining the ranks of Nairobi Railway Club, Meru Stadium, and RFUEA itself. This patchwork of venues is a testament to the adaptability and enduring appeal of the Kabeberi 7s on the Kenyan rugby calendar.
The road to the national stage
The 2025 National 7s Circuit kicks off with the Driftwood 7s on July 26 and 27 at Mombasa Sports Club. It is followed by the Prinsloo 7s at Nakuru Athletics Club, then the Christie 7s back at the RFUEA Grounds, before returning to Nairobi for the Kabeberi 7s. The Dala 7s in Kisumu will wrap up a calendar packed with intensity and the promise of new storylines. These tournaments shape not only club histories but also the careers of young players hungry for recognition. Last season saw Kenya Harlequin lift the circuit title for the first time since 2012, outpacing Kabras with surgical consistency and a haul of 109 points. Their resurgence has set the bar higher for all contenders, including the ever-ambitious Mwamba RFC.
Mwamba RFC’s campaign – Lessons and resolve
Building momentum is never accidental. At the recent Ruff n Tuff 7s—a curtain raiser for the main event—Mwamba RFC announced their intent with a runner-up finish. They began with emphatic victories, dispatching USIU Martials 26-12 and Impala 28-10. But rugby is as much about character as skill. Their final pool game exposed frailties as Nondies RFC toppled them 37-0, a defeat that stung but ultimately sharpened their resolve. In the semifinals, Mwamba edged past Kenya Harlequin 17-14 in a thriller, before falling to the Strathmore Leos 21-5 in the final. For coach Lavin Asego, these experiences offered rich lessons, both in triumph and defeat.
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Lavin Asego: Charting the team’s future
Lavin Asego, one of Kenya’s true rugby legends and the first Kenyan to breach 1,000 points in the World Series, brings invaluable expertise to Mwamba’s dugout. After the Ruff n Tuff 7s, his message was clear: the team showed resilience, but there are cracks requiring urgent attention. As he put it, “Coming second against a Kenya Cup side is no small feat,” but the defensive performance left much to be desired. “Our biggest undoing was our defense. The boys know how to play, but defense is a team pattern. It needs coordination. We will work on that because I know these boys can run,” Asego reflected.
His observations are not just about plugging gaps, but about fostering a mentality. “Some boys need to step up their fitness, and we will work with them over the next few weeks,” he remarked, emphasizing physical readiness as a non-negotiable for sevens rugby’s brutal pace. The squad from the Ruff n Tuff tournament is likely to form the backbone of Mwamba’s National 7s squad, subject to injuries and player availability. Notably, with some players recovering from concussions and observing minimum return-to-play protocols, roster shifts remain possible heading into Driftwood 7s and Prinsloo 7s.
Strategies, squad rotation, and the hunger to rise
The coming weeks are critical. Mwamba RFC trains with a dynamic group of 25, balancing fitness, form, and hard-earned experience. The coaching staff is keenly aware of the need for flexibility and resilience within the team—attributes essential for the unique rhythms of sevens rugby, where a single lapse can alter the trajectory of an entire campaign. Injuries remain a variable, but so does the hunger of younger talents eager to step up. The return of key contributors, alongside the guidance of legends like Eliakim Kichoi and the leadership of Asego, provides a potent blend of youth, experience, and mentorship.
Rugby as a canvas for character
Mwamba RFC’s journey is not just about chasing silverware. It is about rediscovering identity after adversity and rebuilding in the face of past relegation. The pride of being part of Nairobi’s rugby tapestry, coupled with the pain of past setbacks, fuels their preparations for every tournament. Each member understands they are not only playing for immediate glory but for a tradition that demands commitment and resilience at every whistle.
What to expect at the Kabeberi 7s and beyond
With the RFUEA Grounds set as the new home for this year’s Kabeberi 7s, fans can expect both a familiar atmosphere and renewed energy. Mwamba RFC’s ticketing approach, leveraging digital platforms, underlines an increasing professionalism within the game’s administration, a small but powerful step toward sustaining rugby’s growing appeal. Whether confronting old rivals or integrating returning players, Mwamba is positioned at a fascinating crossroads of ambition and introspection.
The excitement from recent tournaments, the hard lessons learned, and the tactical adjustments being prioritized point to a tantalizing National 7s Circuit. While Kenya Harlequin set the benchmark last year, the likes of Kabras, Strathmore Leos, and Mwamba RFC are plotting their own redemption arcs. For Mwamba, the narrative is clear: improve defense, sharpen fitness, adjust to new settings, and channel the legendary work ethic that defined their glory days.
