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Daystar Falcons coach breaks down two reasons behind Prinsloo 7s quarterfinal loss
Reading Time: 3min | Tue. 28.07.26. | 12:23
Reflecting on the weekend, Bosire said he was encouraged by the team's overall performance despite falling short of the semifinals
Daystar Falcons head coach Caleb Bosire has identified injuries to key players and lack of experience as the main reasons behind his side's quarterfinal exit at the opening leg of the 2026 National Sevens Circuit, the Prinsloo 7s.
The university side impressed in the pool stages, opening their campaign with a commanding 41-0 victory over Kisumu RFC before suffering a narrow 10-7 defeat to Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) Rugby.
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They then battled to a 5-5 draw with last year's champions Strathmore Leos.
Although the Falcons and Leos finished level on points, Daystar advanced to the quarterfinals courtesy of a superior points difference after their emphatic win over Kisumu, having beaten the lakeside club by a bigger margin than Strathmore.
Their run, however, came to an end in the last eight after a 31-12 defeat to eventual finalists Kabras RFC.
Bosire's charges recovered well, beating Kenyatta University’s Blak Blad 17-10 in the fifth-place semifinal before edging hosts Nakuru RFC 19-17 in the fifth-place final.
Reflecting on the weekend, Bosire said he was encouraged by the team's overall performance despite falling short of the semifinals.
"Overall, it was a good tournament. Unfortunately, we fell short of reaching the semifinals, but I'm pleased that we still earned a place in the fifth-place final,” he said.
Falcons were without influential players such as Clinton Amukwachi and Eddy Wambugu, both sidelined through injury.
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Bosire admitted their absence was felt but was pleased to see other squad members seize the opportunity.
"We have several players out with injuries, but that has created opportunities for others to step up. Someone like Amukwachi has been a key player for us, but he picked up an injury and could miss the next two or three legs.
We hope he'll return fully fit. Wambugu, who had an excellent season last year, is also nursing an injury. That has opened the door for players like Paul Murwa, who had a very good tournament this weekend,” he offered.
Bosire also believes his youthful squad lacked the experience needed to contain six-time Kenya Cup champions Kabras once they settled into the contest.
"The lack of experience definitely played a role because some of these players haven't had enough game time. We were in the contest early on, but once Kabras found their rhythm, they took control and pulled away,” he said.
Despite the defeat, the coach remains optimistic about his side's prospects for the remainder of the National Sevens Circuit, insisting they have the quality to challenge for semifinal and final appearances once the injured players return and the younger squad members gain more experience.
"It's still the first leg, so it's too early to judge every team. However, from what I've seen this weekend, I believe we have what it takes to reach the semifinals and even the final. We're taking it one tournament at a time and focusing on improving with every leg,” he added.