All set for Kabeberi Sevens fiesta

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Brian Ouma

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β€œThe Kabeberi Sevens has always been about celebrating the legacy of George Mwangi Kabeberi and honoring the heroes we’ve lost along the way,” Nabiswa told Citizen digital. β€œThis year, we’ve attracted 44 teams β€” 16 in Division One, 20 in Division Two, and 8 women’s teams. It shows the strength and diversity of rugby across the region.”
All set for Kabeberi Sevens fiesta

KCB Rugby and Mwamba RFC players in action during their Kenya Cup match staged at RFUEA grounds on January 11, 2025. KCB wo 77-22. Photo/Sportpicha/Citizen Digital

The 35th edition of the George Mwangi Kabeberi Sevens will take place this weekend, September 5–6, at the RFUEA Grounds along Ngong Road, Nairobi, after hosts Mwamba RFC confirmed a switch from their new home at the Goan Grounds in Pangani.

The change comes after the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) advised Mwamba to carry out upgrades at Goan to meet hosting standards. While the pitch surface was deemed playable, issues around spectator stands and parking meant the venue could not be used for a tournament of this scale.

β€œThe playing surface at Goan is fine, but the Union advised us to improve on the stands and parking to give fans a proper experience,” said Mwamba RFC chairman Jason Braganza. β€œThat’s why we’ve reverted to RFUEA for this year.”

According to Collins Nabiswa, Mwamba’s General Manager and the Tournament Director, the shift does not dampen the significance of this year’s edition.

β€œThe Kabeberi Sevens has always been about celebrating the legacy of George Mwangi Kabeberi and honoring the heroes we’ve lost along the way,” Nabiswa told Citizen digital. β€œThis year, we’ve attracted 44 teams β€” 16 in Division One, 20 in Division Two, and 8 women’s teams. It shows the strength and diversity of rugby across the region.”

The tournament begins on Friday, September 5, with the age-grade competition featuring 13 teams before the main fixtures roll out over the weekend.

On the pitch, Mwamba RFC men are targeting improved performances after a stop-start season in the 2025 National Sevens Circuit. The Black Shirts currently sit 12th on 23 points, but have had standout moments, including a famous 17–15 upset of Kabras RFC at the Prinsloo Sevens, which secured them their maiden quarterfinal appearance. They also reached the final of the Ruff n’ Tuff Invitational earlier this year.

Meanwhile, the Mwamba Ladies continue to dominate Kenyan rugby. They have already clinched the 2025 National Sevens Circuit title after back-to-back wins at the Christie 7s and Prinsloo 7s, extending their unbeaten run.

Captain Stacy Atieno said the women’s team is motivated to complete the season on a high.

β€œFor us, it’s about consistency and teamwork. Mwamba is home for everyone β€” from rookies to seasoned players,” Atieno said. β€œWinning the Prinsloo and Christie Sevens shows what unity can do. Now we want to finish unbeaten and give the fans more reasons to celebrate.”

The Kabeberi Sevens sets the stage for the final leg of the circuit, the Dala Sevens in Kisumu (September 12–13), where men’s teams will battle for overall standings while Mwamba Ladies chase a clean sweep.

Β©Citizen Digital, Kenya

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