Inside Strathmore Leos’ daily grind turning them into National 7s Circuit powerhouse
.jpg)
Reading Time: 3min | Fri. 29.08.25. | 15:19
For Ojal, who turned a year older on Saturday, August 23, the Embu 7s win came wrapped as a priceless birthday present
Strathmore Leos have have been on top of their game in the four National Sevens Circuit legs played so far.
The students have dazzled with their consistency, reaching three finals.
Follow our WhatsApp channel for more news
Their impressive run has underlined their transformation into genuine title contenders.
Leos set the tone early, winning the inaugural Ruff n Tuff 7s, a pre-circuit event, where they defeated Mwamba RFC 21-5.
Their form carried into the main competition, where they announced themselves in style at the Driftwood 7s, narrowly losing to KCB Rugby 15-14 in the final.
If there were any doubts about their ability to challenge the big guns, those were quickly put to rest at the Prinsloo 7s.
Strathmore stunned the Bankers 24-7 in the final to claim the title.
.jpg)
Although they fell short at the Christie 7s after being stopped by Menengai Oilers in the semis, they bounced back in Embu with a statement victory, beating KCB 31-21 to seal a four-peat of titles at the Embu 7s.
That consistency has seen them rise to second on the National 7s Circuit standings with 80 points, just two shy of log leaders KCB Rugby.
However, behind the medals and champagne moments lies a less glamorous side of their journey; a grueling daily grind.
Speaking to Mozzart Sport, head coach Willis Ojal painted a picture of a team that has mastered balancing books and rugby boots.
“Since they are students, our day starts at 6 am in the gym. By 7 or around 7:15, we are done, shower, and head to class. Then in the evening, at around 5:30 pm, we come back for tactical and ball work,” Ojal explained.
The routine does not ease up on weekends. Saturdays, when there are no tournaments, are reserved for strength and conditioning, alongside tactical drills.
“We have half-day camps on Saturdays, focusing on strength and conditioning and a bit more tactical work. We train on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, and if there is no tournament, Saturday is a full grind,” he explained.
This discipline has been fueled by the ghosts of last season, when the team often found itself in the bowl competition. That painful experience has only sharpened their resolve.
“Last season, we had a bit of a bump when we were playing in the bowl. That is another reason why we keep going, because we know we are a better side, so we push ourselves,” Ojal said.
For Ojal, who turned a year older on Saturday, August 23, the Embu 7s win came wrapped as a priceless birthday present.
“It was my birthday, and the boys told me they would deliver this. I am so grateful,” he added with a smile.
.jpg)
Leos will now turn their focus to the Kabeberi 7s, where they have been drawn in a tricky Pool B alongside Kenya Harlequin, Impala RFC, and hosts Mwamba RFC.
.jpg)
