Ex South Coast Pirates coach outlines bold ambitions with Uganda's Mongers
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Reading Time: 3min | Fri. 10.07.26. | 15:36
The Uganda National 7s Series gets underway on Saturday, 25 July, with a revamped format featuring 12 core men's teams and eight women's sides
Former South Coast Pirates head coach Tony ‘Polisi’ Khadambi has wasted little time setting targets at his new club.
The tactician has outlined an ambitious but measured vision for Uganda's Mongers ahead of the 2026 Uganda National 7s Series.
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Mozzart Sport understands that Khadambi has taken charge of the Entebbe-based outfit after bringing his one-year spell with South Coast Pirates to an end.
His departure from the Kwale club was confirmed last week following the expiry of his contract.
The former Kenya international says his immediate priority is to address the fundamentals after Mongers emerged from a lengthy 15s campaign before switching focus to the shorter version of the game.
"The club is coming off a very long and demanding 15s season, so the priority is to ensure we get the basics right. We've taken time to review not only our performances in the 15s campaign but also some of our outings from the previous 7s circuit, and we've identified areas where we need to improve.
The focus now is on sharpening our execution, improving our decision making, and building consistency because those small details make a huge difference in the shorter format,” Khadambi said.
Khadambi has also set clear performance benchmarks for the campaign, insisting consistency across every leg of the circuit will be key before targeting deep runs in selected tournaments.
"In terms of expectations, my targets are straightforward but realistic. We want to be competitive enough to reach the quarterfinals in every leg of the circuit.
Depending on how the squad manages injuries, fatigue, and recovery throughout the season, we are aiming to reach at least two or three semifinals over the course of the circuit, and if we continue improving, we can build from there,” he averred.
The Uganda National 7s Series gets underway on Saturday, 25 July, with a revamped format featuring 12 core men's teams and eight women's sides.
The competition will be contested over six rounds.
The opening five circuits will be staged at fixed venues before the Grand Finale takes place at Muteesa II Royal Stadium in Wankulukuku on September 9 and 10.
The series will travel to Ruck Yard in Jinja, Kings Park Arena in Wakiso, Kyadondo Rugby Grounds in Kampala, Gulu University Grounds in Gulu, and Kyabazinga Stadium in Jinja before concluding in Kampala.
Khadambi arrives at Mongers after an encouraging campaign with South Coast Pirates despite narrowly missing out on an immediate return to the Kenya Cup.
The coastal side finished third in the Kenya Rugby Union Championship with 38 points after winning eight of their 11 league matches.
They advanced to the promotion playoffs but saw their hopes of returning to the top flight ended by Homeboyz Rugby Club.
He had been appointed by Pirates at the start of the 2025 campaign to succeed Kevin Amiani, who spent three years in charge and guided the club to a historic first-ever Kenya Cup qualification in 2024, making them the first team from Kwale County to compete in Kenya's top-tier rugby competition.
Although the club's stay in the Kenya Cup lasted only one season before relegation, Khadambi was tasked with overseeing an immediate promotion push, falling just one step short.
His move to Uganda marks a return to familiar surroundings.
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As a player, he captained Jinja Hippos to their first appearance in the Uganda Rugby Premiership and also featured prominently on the Uganda 7s circuit.
Beyond his playing career, Khadambi has built a reputation as a coach and talent developer through successful spells with Tororo Crest and Moi University Arsonists, helping nurture emerging players while building competitive squads.