Weekly Ramble

After a long self imposed exile, I'm back. I spent the last month or so just watching what was happening and events taking place. I managed to watch most of the Sevens Circuit but refrained from commenting as at times I get too worked up. What has clearly emerged is that the KRU are struggling to manage the phenomenal growth the game has seen in the past few years and instead of expanding their structures and letting the growth manage itself, a few individuals are hell bent on maintaining grip on the proceedings in order to boost certain self serving interests.

The circuit was interesting from my point of view. That two teams can be head and shoulders above the rest was shocking if not disappointing. The clubs were actually that far ahead due to contrasting reasons or methodologies and this should be a lesson to most, if not the powers that be. Having been deeply involved in rugby in my past, they are two methodologies I have struggled with and came to realise the way out.. but that is not the point I am trying to make now.

One team forms the core of the National Sevens Team. Whether they were good before joining the national team or became good because of joining the national team is a topic for another day, but four players on this team have been on practically every trip the Sevens team has made in the last two years. The other team has focused on structures and training of players. They freely rotated players round in the circuit and have several young, fresh players. That they made every final of the circuit, even when their national players were unavailable shows the depth in this side. And that they have players in the Shujaa side that they do not even field maybe shows an error in our methods of selection. Perhaps it also shows that maybe you do not become good just by being in the National team.

What then should be the way forward, for clubs, or even the national team? Have reliable players who through thick and thin will pull you through? Or have a system that is consistently producing quality players, able to maintain some level of consistency, irrespective of who is fielded? And that is an oxymoron, really. Or is the oxymoron leaving out the top points scorer and top try scorer by miles from the National Team to the Commonwealth games?

Do have a good week and maybe, just maybe my mojo is back and you'll be hearing more from me.

Mwamba Western Union Champions

Mwamba regained the Western Union National Sevens Circuit with a confident display that saw them reach the semi finals of the just concluded Driftwoods Sevens in Mombasa. With that achievement, they gathered enough points to prevent Driftwoods champions Harlequins from overhauling them at the finish line. In the end 5 points separated the teams and it was a fitting end to a circuit that saw the two teams stand head and shoulders above the chasing pack. Quins also had the distinction of having been in every final of the circuit.

Attention now turns to the beginning of the regular season that may be interrupted or delayed by the CAR Cup competition.

Roads Lead to Mombasa for Driftwoods

The Western Union National Sevens Circuit draws to a close this weekend with the Driftwoods Rugby Sevens in Mombasa. Log leaders Mwamba lead the pack with a virtually unassailable 13-point lead over perennial rivals Harlequins. The two are seeded first and second and headline Pool A and B. A return to the sixteen team format sees the pools get tougher and a potential for an upset is in the works that would force an undesirable draw for the Quarter finals.

Going by the games in the entire circuit, Mwamba are head and shoulders above the rest and even the departure of four of their players from the squad will not see any team seriously threaten their hold on the trophy. It will all be good fun and the coastal city is ready for this.

POOL A	POOL B	POOL C	POOL D
MWAMBA	QUINS	KCB	IMPALA
MACHINE	STRATHMORE	NAKURU	NONDIES
HOMEBOYZ	MOMBASA	USIU	BLAKBLAD
ORYX	SPARTANS	DAYSTAR	KCA

Kenya 7's for Commonwealth Games confirmed as predicted by us

The full Kenya team for the 2010 Commonwealth Games is as follows:

Humphrey Kayange [Captain]- Mwamba RFC
Brian Nyikuli - Impala RFC
Wilson Kopondo - Kenya Harlequin FC
Andrew Amonde - Kenya Commercial Bank RFC
Gray Cullen - Nondescripts RFC
Sidney Ashioya - Kenya Harlequin FC
Gibson Weru - Nakuru RFC
Lavin Asego - Mwamba RFC
Collins Injera - Mwamba RFC
Biko Adema - Nondescripts RUFC
Horace Owiti - Mwamba RFC
Leon Adongo - Kenya Harlequin FC


NON TRAVELLING

Victor Sudi - Kenya Harlequin FC
Innocent Simiyu - Impala RFC
Benedict Nyambu - Nondescripts RFC


MANAGEMENT:

1. Benjamin Ayimba - Head Coach

2. Felix Ochieng - Assistant Coach

3. Oscar Osir - Team Manager

4. George Odhiambo - Team Physiotherapist

This could be the last outing for Benjamin Ayimba and Felix Ochieng as they could face the sack before end of the year for defying the Board on the dropping of Innocent Simiyu. Watch this space.

Sevens results: Mwamba continue winning ways and Buffaloes in shock win

Kabereri 7's won by Mwamba in Kenya.

Buffaloes win Kitaka memorial in Uganda.

Am an Innocent Man

A Troubled Mind

A troubled heart, a troubled mind
that never meant to be unkind.
No way to undo what's been done
Nowhere to hide nowhere to run

Only time can heal the pain
but til such time hurts remain
No use in even saying sorry
No way to escape the worry

Still trying to apologise
as inner joy slowly dies
It's hard to try & carry on
When right goes all wrong

Sevens Action Returns to Nairobi

The penultimate leg of the Western Union National Sevens Circuit takes place this weekend at the RFUEA grounds, courtesy of Mwamba's hosting their Kabeberi Memorial Sevens. The hosts are seeded top with Harlequins as second seeds. The circuit has been surprising in that defending champions Strathmore have not gotten anywhere near the finals whilst all three legs held so far have yielded the same semi final and final pairings. Will this be the leg where the tables are turned? Machinations and broken promises notwithstanding, the circuit champion should also be determined during this leg. Extended draws have meant that there is very little meaningful rugby on Day 1 and for the die hard rugby pundits, little cause to spend time at the grounds. But for the rest, enjoy your day.

POOL A	MWAMBA	DAYSTAR	MT KENYA UNI	USIU
POOL B	QUINS	KCA	MONKS	KEMU NAIROBI
POOL C	IMPALA	MACHINE	NAIROBI MTAA	MOLO RFC
POOL D	NAKURU	BLAKBLAD	ORYX	MWAMBA II
POOL E	KCB	KISUMU	BUNGOMA	MOMBASA
POOL F	STRATHMORE	HOMEBOYZ	EGERTON	NONDIES

Impala playing broker for Homeboyz entry to Kenya Cup

The KRFU are today holding a special general meeting in a move engineered by Impala RFC a.k.a. IRB (Impala Rugby Business). The KRFU secretariat of whom 3/4 are Impala at heart have engineered an SGM to get Homeboyz and a host of other clubs affiliated to the KRFU finally. Eryck Situma a KRFU employee is pushing for Homeboyz affiiation.

The move part of Peter Nduati and Max Muniafu's campaign strategy will see them have a higher number of votes than the Mwangi Muthee camp. Nduati is gunning for the Chairmanship with Muniafu as his running mate while Muthee is undecided whether to rope in Paul Nyamodi or go it alone. Nduati has struck a deal with Sabwa that will see him untouched while Fred Odhiambo the vice-chair will be forsaken.

Other deals will see Musangi and Sadik returning as directors and in return Omwela gets to be the Safari Sevens Ltd and Kenya Rugby Ltd Executive Chairman. Omwela has vowed to punish Mwamba and Quins for embarassing him the Sevens Circuit issue when he had thrown them out but later backtracked and threw the blame on Sabwa. Myke Rabar Homeboyz CEO has also been promised a seat on the board and exclusive radio and water rights for all KRFU events.

In the Impala camp are Nakuru, KCB, Kisumu and Strathmore as these are the clubs that have signed the Homeboyz letter and other clubs. Muthee will rely on Mean Machine as his vote getters in his lone ranger shot. Quins in their normal fashion will go it alone. Sasha Mutai former director will be co-opted back to the board and returned to his sevens slot. Omwela has negotiated for his return.

Other clubs that "IRB" have lobbied for to be affiliated are Siaya, Kisii, Webuye, Mumias, Kakamega, Mbale, Mtaa Nairobi, Mtaa Mombasa, Mtaa Nakuru, Spartans, Shepherds, Kitale, Maseno University, Masinde Muliro, Catholic University, KCA, KEMU and Oryx. All this is in a letter written by Impala to the KRFU within the same office.

Some of the letters going round are posted below.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gentlemen,

Further to earlier discussions, Homeboyz RFC have requested Impala to call for an SGM (see attached letter).

If and when Impala write to KRU, we need your support by having Your Club Secretary/Chairman writing to the secretary of the Union supporting the same before close of business tomorrow.

Kindly reply with a brief note signifying you intent to write to KRU if Impala were to respond affirmatively.

Regards,

Erick Situma

Homeboyz RFC

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Frank Sabwa,
Hon. Secretary,
Kenya RU


26th July 2010



AFFILIATION OF HOMEBOYZ RFC WITH THE KENYA RUGBY UNION

Homeboyz RFC hereby kindly requests consideration as affiliates with the Kenya Rugby Union. As adviced during a club representatives meeting held a few weeks ago, Homeboyz have petitioned a minimum 5 Rugby clubs to requisition a special meeting to consider the matter.

The request is in light of the disappointment endured by Homeboyz RFC at the end of of the 2010 season that saw the team loose out on promotion to the Kenya Cup League despite having won the ESS competitions by virtue of not being affiliated to KRU. We thus feel it would be considerate to begin the 2010/2011 league competions having affiliated Both Homeboyz RFC and other ESS teams that were consistent in the previous season.

Attached is a letter from Impala requisitioning for the General meeting for Wednesday 11th of August 2010 as from 5:30pm at the Union Offices. Below is correspondence from supporting clubs. Kindly consider and advice way forward.

Regard



Erick Situma
Homeboyz RFC
Rugby Coach/Rugby In-Charge

Commonwealth Games: Ayimba playing games with names

Kenya 7's coach Benjamin Ayimba is still keeping what is an open
secret close to his chest. As he flies out to Middleburg South Africa
unnamed sources at the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK) have
confirmed final submission of the Kenya Rugby 7's to the national team
for the Commonwealth Games.

Ayimba or 'Father Commonwealth' as some in the rugby circles refer to
him has released a 15 man provisional as confirmed by NOCK:

Humphrey Kayange - Mwamba (captain)
Collins Injera - Mwamba
Lavin Asego - Mwamba
Horace Otieno - Mwamba
Wilson Kopondo - Harlequins
Sidney Ashioya - Harlequins
Victor Sudi - Harlequins
Leon Adongo - Harlequins
Andrew Amonde - KCB
Grey Cullen - Nondeis
Benedict Nyambu - Nondeis
Biko Adema - Nondeis
Gibson Kahuthia Weru - Nakuru
Bryan Nyikuli - Impala
Innocent Simiyu - Impala

Within the above 15 there are 3 non-travelling reserves. As confirmed
in earlier posts there is no space for Dennis Mwanja and also Allan
Onyango. What is definite and obvious is Grey Cullen is definately in
the team which is a big relief to the management. Victor Sudi is among
the non-travelling reserves. Take your pick on the final 2 to be
dropped. One of them has not been seen in the local circuit at all.
The other is a brother from another mother.

Whether Ayimba has played has played his cards right to bring home the
gold only time will tell. Clubs will feel the absence of their players
this weekend as they have been stopped from playing with their clubs
in contradiction to earlier agreement that they will play 4 of the 5
circuits. But I digress and look forward to a good weekend of rugby.

Kabeberi Sevens This Weekend

The George Mwangi Kabeberi Memorial Sevens takes place this weekend as the National Sevens Circuit resumes following a one weekend break. This has been a welcome break as compared to last year where all five tournaments were held on the trot. This cause many clubs to completely rest their key players from the circuit and use the circuit to gauge unfit and new players for the upcoming season. And with just the halfway stage gone, several questions are being asked about the KRU's ability to manage the huge growth of the tournament.

Just before the circuit begun, there was news that Mwamba and Harlequins had been stripped of the rights to hold their traditional tournaments as part of the circuit due to "below par organisation" to quote the media. This decision was soon rescinded after it emerged that clubs were ready to face the union head on over some of the unilateral decisions that were being made in issued directly affecting clubs. However, with hindsight it may have been the right decision. The huge amount of teams interested in taking part in the circuit has resulted in a watering down of the competition in the circuit. Just looking at the draw for Kabeberi this weekend, I have no interest in watching any of the Day 1 games as it is just warm up for the big teams. At the same time it is just torture in the name of learning for the small teams. Various arguments will be made for having the small teams in the circuit but none will convince me as to how to spend my money. The same arguments were made for having 24 teams in the earlier years of the Safari Sevens but this was soon changed! Will these minnows really improve by playing one off games against the big guns? Fire away.

And now the crunch. Circuit leaders Mwamba are faced the awkward task of failing to win their own tournament after convincing displays in the last 3 events. With Coach Benjamin Ayimba and co. dithering on naming the squad for the Commonwealth Games in India next month, the rest of the Kenya Commonwealth Squad has already reported to camp at Kasarani. Pressure is now mounting for the squad to be named and for them to report to camp with the rest of the athletes. What this means is that Mwamba will immediately lose their "Fantastic Four" of Humphrey Kayange, Collins Injera, Lavin Asego and Horace Otieno. Add to impromptu trip of Shujaa to Mpumalanga this weekend to which they will lose potential circuit MVP Edgar Abere to, they are now scrambling to field a side for their home tournament. National duty of course supersedes club responsibilities, but you would expect the union to deal with clubs and agree on a way forward. What is emerging is that text messages with instructions to report to camp are being sent directly to the affected players, even without the squad being officially named.

So.. what happens? The only challengers to Mwamba in the overall title are Harlequins who only lose two players (going by the unofficial lists circulating). Are Mwamba then going to cede the title race due to unavailability of players? Will they defy the head coach and play in the circuit? With Day 1 being a formality, will they appear out of camp on Day 2 to win the cup? Only time will tell!

Hima 7's Round Two

Impis won round two of Hima Sevens Circuit beating Toyota Buffaloes in
the final. Round three will be the Edward Kitaka Memorial Sevens at
Kampala rugby grounds.

Shujaa heading South

Shujaa head to South Africa this weekend to play in an invitational
7's tournament at Middleburg in South Africa. They will be rubbing
shoulders with teams from the provinces as well as Zimbabwe and
Namibia. This is their third outing after UK and Zambia.

Grey Cullen continues to raise his profile though there is doubts on
his final inclusion in the Commonwealth bound squad to New Delhi.
However the Kenyan born Briton captains Shujaa to South Africa. Edgar
Abere gets a reward for his good recent outings of play in the Western
Union National Sevens Circuit for Mwamba. Homeboyz have the biggest
contigent in the team.

Shujaa:
Grey Cullen - Nondeis (Captain)
Edgar Abere - Mwamba
Ken Isindu - KCB
Fabian Alando - KCB
Oscar Ouma - Nakuru
Collins Omae - Harlequins
Denis Muhanji - Harlequins
Felix Ayange - Strathmore
Michael Wanjala - Strathmore
Collins Muaa - Homeboyz
Hesborn Mataya - Homeboyz
Ken Moseti - Homeboyz

Shujaa will play in the international category of the three tier
tournament. Good luck Shujaa.

Kenya 7's: Commonwealth squad springs surprise

Grey Cullen will most likely be the surprise inclusion in the Kenya
7's squad to New Delhi for the Commonwealth games. After two outings
in England and Zambia he has impressed Benja Ayimba and Felix Ochieng
the two coaches. Making way is Victor Sudi Simiyu of Harlequins whom
many feel should concentrate on 15's. Biko Adema is a questionable
inclusion and there is no room for Victor Opong, Dennis Muhanji and
Wilson Kopondo of Harlequins, Dennis Mwanja and Andrew Amonde of KCB
and Peter Ocholla of Impala. The squad though not officially announced
should be as follows:

Humphrey Kayange - Mwamba (captain)
Collins Injera - Mwamba
Lavin Asego - Mwamba
Horace Owiti - Mwamba
Grey Cullen - Nondeis
Benjamin Nyambu - Nondeis
Biko Adema - Nondeis
Sidney Ashioya - Harlequins
Leon Adongo - Harlequins
Gibson Kahuthia Weru - Nakuru (v/captain)
Innocent Simiyu - Impala
Brian Nyikuli - Impala

Non-travelling substitutes
Victor Sudi Simiyu - Harlequins
Wilson Kopondo - Harlequins
Peter Ocholla - Impala

Mwamba looking to land mobile telephony sponsorship

If what is being talked about in the grapevine is true then Mwamba RFC
Kenya's first only true indegenous club are on the verge of bagging a
very serious sponsorship. According to a senior Mwamba official who is
also a Mwamba official and legendary winger, the sponsorship should it
land would be the kind of sponsorship the KRFU should be seeking for
clubs and not themselves. "Western Union's 5 million shillings does
not benefit the clubs but rather it is enjoyed by some Union
busybodies who fly around the country while players suffer", the
official further alludes. Mwamba looking to seal the deal will have
their new sponsor in time for the Kabeberi Sevens. Mwamba is the
Kulabu for you and me. Mwamba ina Bamba.

Hima 7's round one

Heathens win Entebbe round of Uganda National Sevens Circuit. Next
round on 11 Septenber at Makerere University.

Dala 7's : Mwamba outlast Quins in close final

The curtains came down in Kisumu as the top two met again in a nail
biting final. Mwamba pipped Quins 15-12 to make it 2 out of 3 wins.
Mwamba bag all 38 points to take an 8 point lead over Quins.

The top two are a cut above the rest but Mwamba are surely in a class
of their own. Nakuru and Impala fall in the level below escorting the
top two. KCB, Homeboyz, Strathmore, Mean Machine and Kisumu are just
but sparring partners.

Below them are are the playing spectators fortunate to be included in
the tournaments which keep growing from 16 to 24 to 32. Who knows if
Kababeri will be 40 teams and Driftwoods 48.

Railway club rules and with the ex Mean Machine hero Edward Rombo
incharge of the coaching at Kulabu definately Mwamba is the Kulabu for
you and me.

Dala 7's This Weekend

A very strange tournament, but one all the same. 38 points up for grabs for the winners.

Pool A - Mwamba, Nakuru Mtaa, Daystar and Greenfields

Pool B - Quins, Flames, KCA and Kisii

Pool C - Impala, Webuye, MKU and Molo

Pool D - Nakuru, Kitale, Bungoma and Mbale

Pool E - Strathmore, Kakamega, Egerton and K. Law School

Pool F - KCB, Nondies, Nairobi Mtaa, Oryx

Pool G - Homeboyz, Blak Blad, Catholic and Siaya MTC

Pool H - Machine, Kisumu, Masinde M and Moi University

Let's see how it goes.

Castle 7's : Kenya Shujaa fall in Plate semis

Kenya Shujaa 7's had a mixed showing in last weeks Castle 7's. They
finished second in their pool to Northern Region of SA on day 1.

Day 2 had them play Namibia in the quarters where they lost. Down in
the plate they then met hosts Zambia who dumped them out of the
tournament.

The Castle 7's was won yet again by four time champions Zimbabwe 19 - 12 over Northern Region of South Africa.

Much needed the exposure was the boys did not impress to warrant
places in the Commonwealth bound squad. Benjamin Ayimba and Felix
Ochieng will have made their mind up by next week. Pressing for
surprise places may be Peter Ocholla, Victor Oduor-Opong and Gary
Cullen.