By OUR CORRESPONDENT
Preparations for the highly anticipated Driftwood Sevens, the fifth round of the 2024 National Sevens Circuit, are in top gear.
Set to take place this weekend at the Mombasa Sports Club on September 7-8, 2024, the tournament promises to deliver an exciting weekend of rugby action, drawing top teams from across the country.
Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) Commercial Director Harriet Okach confirmed that all preparations for the tournament are complete. “Preparations for the Driftwood Sevens are complete, and we are ready to welcome rugby fans to Mombasa for what promises to be a thrilling weekend of sport,” she said.
“With 16 teams confirmed for Division One and 24 teams for Division Two, we anticipate a high level of competition. We are also expecting at least 3,000 fans to come out and cheer for their favorite teams over the two-day event,” she added.
In support of this important event, Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL), through its flagship brand Tusker, has stepped in with a Ksh. 3 million sponsorship. This sponsorship follows Tusker’s recent support of other Sevens Circuit events, including the Dala Sevens in Kisumu and the Kabeberi Sevens in Nairobi.
KBL Acting Director of Marketing, Charles Okanya, expressed the company’s deep commitment to the sport: “We are thrilled to once again be part of the National Sevens Circuit through our sponsorship of this year’s Driftwood Sevens tournament. Rugby is more than just a sport; it’s a celebration of resilience, teamwork, and passion, values that resonate deeply with the Tusker brand. Our Ksh. 3 million contribution is not just about supporting the tournament’s logistics; it’s about enhancing the overall experience for fans and players alike.”
Pools for the tournament are already confirmed with KCB Rugby, fresh off their triumph at the Kabeberi 7s, leading Pool A in the Division One category. They will compete against MMUST RFC, KU Blak Blad, and the host team, Mombasa RFC.
In Pool B, last year’s Driftwood 7s finalists, Menengai Oilers, will take on Daystar Falcons, Nondescript RC, and the coastal team, TUM Marines.
Kenya Harlequin FC, the current circuit leaders, are in Pool C alongside Kabras RFC, who are just behind them in the overall standings. Nakuru RFC and Mwamba RFC round out the pool, making it one of the most competitive in the tournament.
Pool D includes three university teams—Catholic Monks, Strathmore Leos, and Zetech Oaks—alongside Stallions Rugby.
The Division Two category features 20 teams battling for supremacy. MKU Thika, who were relegated from Division One after the Kabeberi Sevens, will top Pool A.
Division Two leaders, Kabarak University, will spearhead Pool B after their heavy defeat to Zetech Oaks in the Kabeberi 7s Division Two Final.
