AFTER 4 months local rugby is back with an adjusted calendar.
Today, the national sevens circuit kicks off at Entebbe SS grounds under new sponsors Hima Cement.
Hima’s association with rugby saw Makerere 10’s become a truly international event and with them switching to the IRB recognised code of 7s rugby there is every hope their deep pockets will help improve the game right from the grass roots.
Poor funding Poor funding has already affected the preparations of the national team getting set for the Commonwealth games to be held in New Delhi.
Much as it would have been better for the national team to at least have some trials in the Kenyan national sevens circuits, we have to settle for local competition from the clubs.
URU has in a bid to professionalise the management of these tournaments partnered with Kinetic Management group. Incidentally the first circuit today at Entebbe Senior Secondary school is free of charge.
Open competition with under strength Kobs and Heathens At the end of the league in April, there was a familiar scene with Heathens still dominating and one would expect it to be business as usual in the short form of the game that they have dominated with a record 8 titles.
Alot of things can happen in 8 months of inactivity and indeed this year we may have an open contest for the national sevens title.
The national team participating has changed the dynamics completely even though they are not eligible for any titles.
Heathens to feel pinch Most affected will be defending champions Heathens who will lose 6 key players to the national team.
Robert Seguya,Scott Oluoch, Mathias Ochwo, Benon Kizza, Michael Wokorach and Jude Kerrmundu are on the CWGs provisional squad.
Kobs also missing key players Kobs who came third last year will also be without Tim Mudoola, Allan Musoke, Ambrose Kamanyire and flyer Lawrence Wakabi who are also part of the national team.
Impis’ chance This might open the gates for last year’s runner’s up Impis who have been bolstered by some exciting new recruits most notably youngster Steven Kasozi who had a fantastic season with Heathens scoring 40 points off the bench.
His combination with electrifying Kenyan Marlon Ondiegi is a must watch.Impis despite being poor fifteen aside players have always shown alot of promise. Could this be the year they win they first national sevens circuits?
Management is an issue for Impis Impis management issues seem to be their archilles for now.
