MMUST Rugby Club head coach John Asila has lauded his players for their resilience and character after the university side emerged unbeaten from the pool stages of the 2026 Prinsloo 7s, earning a deserved place in the Main Cup quarter-finals.
The Kakamega-based side produced a series of disciplined performances to finish top of their pool with three wins from three, underlining their growing reputation as one of the most competitive university teams on the National Sevens Circuit.
MMUST began their campaign with a hard-fought 19-14 victory over fellow varsity side Strathmore Leos in a closely contested encounter.
They followed it up with another impressive display to edge Daystar Falcons 10-7 before completing a perfect pool campaign with a 12-7 victory over Kisumu RFC.
Throughout the three matches, MMUST displayed solid defensive organisation, composure in possession and clinical finishing whenever opportunities came their way. Their ability to grind out results in tight contests highlighted the progress the squad has made under Asila’s guidance.
ALSO READ: Prinsloo 7s defending champs Leos handed a reality check as SportPesa 7s kicks off in Nakuru
Speaking after sealing qualification to the knockout rounds, Asila reserved special praise for his squad, saying their performances reflected the effort they have invested on the training ground.
“The boys put on the fight. They’ve worked hard for it and I think they decided that in this one they must just put on the fight. The hard work has also paid off and I think they are gelling, and it’s good for us.”
The coach believes the team’s confidence continues to grow with every positive result, adding that the players are beginning to trust both themselves and the system they have been building.
“Beating the defending champions means there’s something we are doing right as a university. I think the young boys are now developing character and the confidence is coming up. It means they are more confident in what we are doing and they are sure of what we are doing. That’s what we want. We want them to be more confident in what we are doing in training.”
While many may view MMUST’s victories over established opponents as surprise results, Asila insists the performances are a reflection of years of consistent work rather than an upset.
“MMUST has always been there. We’ve done everything. There’s no team that we have never beaten on this circuit. We are just putting in the work and doing the right thing, and I know we will be there.”
He further pointed out that victories over fellow university rivals have become part of the team’s culture, with the current crop of players now embracing the standards set by those before them.
“It’s not new for us to beat Strathmore. Daystar, we have done it before. It’s only that the new guys are learning it and if they can keep it up, I know this is a group of players who will make the university and the country proud.”
Having successfully negotiated the pool stages, MMUST now shift their attention to the knockout rounds, where the margin for error becomes even smaller. The university side will square off against Kenya Harlequins in the Main Cup quarter-finals, with a place in the last four at stake.
Despite the challenge ahead, Asila remains focused on taking the competition one match at a time while believing his players have what it takes to go even further.
“We are taking it a game at a time, but we hope to get to the semis. Expect a good fight from the boys. I can see they want it and I hope we can do it throughout the whole circuit.”
With momentum firmly on their side, MMUST head into the quarter-finals full of confidence after an unbeaten opening day. Their disciplined defence, commitment at the breakdown and willingness to battle for every ball have made them one of the standout teams in Nakuru.
A victory over Kenya Harlequins would move Asila’s men one step closer to the Main Cup final and further strengthen their growing credentials as genuine contenders on this year’s National Sevens Circuit.
Prinsloo 7s Day Two Fixtures & Kick-off Times
Challenge Cup Quarterfinals
- 9:20 am – Match 25: Mwamba RFC vs Kisumu RFC
- 9:40 am – Match 26: Menengai Oilers vs NYS Spades
- 10:00 am – Match 27: Strathmore Leos vs Embu RFC
- 10:20 am – Match 28: Catholic Monks vs Impala RFC
Main Cup Quarterfinals
- 10:40 am – Match 29: Kabras Sugar RFC vs Daystar Falcons
- 11:00 am – Match 30: Kenyatta University (Blak Blad) vs Nondies
- 11:20 am – Match 31: MMUST Rugby vs Kenya Harlequins
- 11:40 am – Match 32: KCB Rugby vs Nakuru RFC