KCB RFC have received a major boost ahead of the National Sevens circuit with Shujaa international Vincent Onyala returning to training after a six-month injury layoff.
Onyala has been out since October last year with a knee injury but started training with the Sevens squad last month and he is in contention to play the first tournament at the Eldoret Sevens in July.
Speaking on Thursday, KCB Sevens coach Andrew Amonde said the return to the squad for Onyala will be a big boost in their quest to wrestle the title away from Menengai Oilers.
"We are happy to have him back in the squad. He has been training with us for the better part of last month and he looks to be in good condition," added Amonde.
The bankers warmed up for the start of the series by beating hosts Nakuru RFC 24-12 in the final of the Great Rift Valley 10-a-side tournament last month and Amonde was delighted with the performance. “It was a good performance but there are areas which the team can improve,” observed Amonde.
The KCB stalwart, who has transitioned from being the National Sevens skipper to now coach, said this will be the first tournament for the decorated player. He said is relishing the challenge of coaching the team for the six-leg circuit.
"I'm delighted and looking forward to the experience of coaching our young side. I have been used to playing but this is a different ball game —giving instructions from the sidelines,” added Amonde.
Amonde expects this year's circuit to be different from last year's with the Kenya Sevens players turning out for their respective club sides.
“Last year, we had commitments for the Simbas but this year, we are fortunate to have the national team players training with us. So we expect a very competitive circuit,” added Amonde.
He expected the likes of Oilers, Mwamba, Strathmore, and Quins to be the top contenders for the sevens crown. “The four teams are going to be strong alongside ourselves as we battle for the crown."
KCB finished second overall with 107 points, winning the Kabeberi Sevens and being placed runners-up in the Christie Sevens as well as losing semifinalists in the Dala, Prinsloo and Kakamega Sevens.
