KCB Rugby co-captain Brian Wahinya is confident the bankers can put their disappointing Dala 7s campaign behind them and successfully defend their Kabeberi 7s crown when the third round of the SportPesa National 7s circuit kicks off at the RFUEA Grounds, Ngong’ road today August 15th to 16th.
KCB made a flying start to the 2026 circuit by winning the Prinsloo 7s but suffered an unexpected setback in Kisumu, where their title defence at the Dala 7s ended in the quarter-finals.
Wahinya admits the Dala 7s outing fell short of the team’s expectations but believes the setback has provided valuable lessons ahead of Kabeberi.
“Dala 7s was a challenging outing for us because we got results we did not expect. However, that is now behind us. We went back to the drawing board and reviewed what we could have done better,” Wahinya said during the Kabeberi 7s captains’ shoot.
ALSO READ: Kabras Sugar top SportPesa 7s circuit ahead of Kabeberi 7s
He added that KCB have used the past two weeks of training to address the shortcomings exposed in Kisumu, with the squad showing renewed focus during their preparations.
“Over the last two weeks in camp, we have been building and analysing what let us down. Everyone has been sharp, and judging by the squad we have named, everyone is ready to put on a show,” he added.
Kabeberi has been a particularly successful hunting ground for KCB in recent years. The bankers have dominated the tournament, winning the last four editions, and will be chasing a fifth consecutive title this weekend.
Wahinya believes the team’s strong record at the tournament, coupled with the backing of their supporters, can inspire another impressive campaign.
“KCB fans should come and believe in the boys. We know we will put on a show. Kabeberi 7s has been a good hunting ground for us, so we will give it our all, and I am sure we will deliver,” he said.
KCB have named a strong 14-man squad for the title defence, with former Impala RFC youngster David Nyangige set to make his first appearance for the club following his move to the bankers.
Mike Wekesa has also been included, while Kenya internationals Vincent Onyala, George Ooro, Nygel Amaitsa and Samuel Asati have retained their places.
The four internationals are expected to miss the September action after earning selection for the Ultimate 7s tournament in the United Kingdom, making Kabeberi an important opportunity for KCB to strengthen their position on the circuit.
Previous legs Captain Elvis Olukusi is notably absent from the squad, with Wahinya among those entrusted with leadership duties.
Other players named in the squad include Sande Dominic, Eugene Omondi, Emmanuel Opondo, Floyd Wabwire, Jenkins Kipruto, Richel Wangila, Austin Sikutwa and Nyangige.
KCB will face a demanding pool-stage campaign after being drawn in Pool D alongside fellow title contenders Kabras Sugar, MMUST and Nakuru RFC.
The bankers will therefore have little room for error as they seek to navigate a competitive pool before progressing to the knockout stages.
With the disappointment of Dala still fresh, KCB will be determined to respond on the pitch. For Wahinya and his teammates, the objective is clear: restore their momentum, deliver a strong performance in front of their supporters and keep their remarkable Kabeberi winning streak alive.
A fifth consecutive Kabeberi 7s title would not only underline KCB’s dominance at the tournament but also provide the perfect response to their early exit in Kisumu.
KCB Rugby Kabeberi 7s Squad
Vincent Onyala, George Ooro, Mike Wekesa, Jenkins Kipruto, Brian Wahinya, Nygel Amaitsa, Floyd Wabwire, Sande Dominic, Eugene Omondi, Emmanuel Opondo, Richel Wangila, Samuel Asati, Austin Sikutwa and David Nyangige.
Technical Bench
Head Coach: Andrew Noel
Assistant Coach: Jacob Ojee
Team Physio: Joseph Kholi
Performance Analyst:Peter Kilonzo
Logistics Manager:*ll Kenneth Odhiambo
Team Manager: Sunlight Mulama