Rugby players and fans will have a unique Kenyatta Day treat when Motorola Christie seven-a-side tournament brings down the curtain on this year’s Nakumatt National 7’s Circuit at the Rugby Football Union of East Africa ground. Hosts, Moto Quins are the top seeds for the second time after winning the Kabeberi seven-a-side tournament by beating Impala 24-17 in the final. They are in Pool A which has Mean Machine, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology and Kisumu. Hilary Itela, the Nakumatt National Sevens Series Circuit Tournament Director predicts it will be a close finish following the confirmation by Nakuru who collected 12 points in the first tournament in Kisumu and missed the next two.
Kenya Harlequin which has been sponsored by Motorola this season have 48 points with Impala and KCB on 44 each while Mwamba have 40 points. Mwamba could win the overall title if they reach the final and win the tournament if the top four sides are knocked out at the quarter final which is unlikely. If Quins are knocked out in the semi-final, they will have 60 points. A win will see them on 68 points and an outright win. Impala and KCB could also win if Quins is knocked out at the semi-final stage. This will leave Impala and KCB in contention.
A win for KCB will see them on 64 points and an outright win if Quins fail to reach the final. If Impala wins, they will take the title on 64 points again if Quins does not reach the final. Motorola are joint sponsors with Nakumatt Holdings. They have given Sh250,000 to the organisers and the top try scorer for the event and the most valuable player will get a chance to win either the Motorola L6 or L7 phones.
Draw
Pool A: Kenya Harlequin, Mean Machine, JKUAT, Kisumu.
Pool B: Impala, Blak Blad, USIU-A, Nakuru,
Pool C: Kenya Commercial Bank, Strathmore University , KCA, Africa Nazarene University .
Pool D: Mwamba, Nondescripts, Daystar University , Kenya Polytechnic.