KCB tipped to make impact in Safari 7s despite losing coach, big names to Shujaa

KCB RFC's Jacob Ojee has backed his team to give a proper go at the 27th edition of the Safari Sevens scheduled to run from Thursday, 9 to Sunday, 12 October at the Nyayo National Stadium.

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The evergreen 15s captain is set to stand in as head coach for The Bankers, with Andrew Amonde taking his place on the Kenya Shujaa's bench as they attempt to make it four consecutive titles in the competition.

KCB come into the tournament on the back of a successful 2025 season, which saw them crowned as the National Sevens Circuit champions.

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Their status will make them one of the contenders for the overall title, which will be hot property for the 12 men's teams announced to be in the Safari Sevens line-up.

Some of the regional powerhouses that will stand in KCB's way include the aforementioned defending champions Shujaa, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Reunion, Uganda's Walukuba Barbarians, and a host of invitational sides such as Shogun Rugby, French Renegades, UK Select, and Apache Rugby.

Despite the stern opposition, Ojee believes The Bankers will put in a shift and will be ready to make an impact in the tournament.

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“We are coming into the Safari 7s with momentum and belief after a successful sevens circuit," Ojee said.

"The boys are in great shape, and our focus is on executing our game plan with precision. Safari 7s is always a special tournament, playing against top regional and international teams allows us to test ourselves and raise our standards. We are here to compete and make our fans proud."

Often studded with top players, KCB will pay a price over the weekend, as, alongside its interim coach, six of the team players will join the Kenya Sevens, leaving them to depend on an exciting crop of young players to step up to the plate.

Among the players joining Kevin Wambua's Shujaa squad are: co-captain George Ooro, Samuel Asati, Floyd Wabwire, Vincent Onyala, Festus Shiasi, and Elvis Olukusi.

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The rest of the core group will therefore be shepherded by the experienced Bob Muhati and Davies Nyaudi, who are expected to shoulder responsibility and showcase their potential on the big stage.

Also in the KCB squad will be: Austin Sikutwa, Bramwel Kilwake, Mike Wekesa, Brian Wahinya, and Emmanuel Opondo.