This archive report was first published on 20 July 2019.
On a day filled with upsets, Masinde Muliro University's stunning performance in the 2019 Kakamega Sevens has earned them a spot in the Cup quarters. The team will face 2015 Stanbic Bank National Sevens Series champions Nakuru in one of the main Cup quarterfinal matches.
Defending champions Homeboyz will meet Nondescripts, while four-time series winners Mwamba are up against Impala Saracens, who have also claimed the Series four times. Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB), who have lifted the series crown twice, will slug it out with the 2009 Series titleholders Strathmore Leos for a place in the semi-finals.
Masinde Muliro caused a major upset when they recovered from a 36-10 beating by KCB to stun the 2017 series winners Kabras Sugar 24-5 in Pool “C” second round of matches. They would then shock a former Kenya Cup side Kisii 29-0 to seal their Cup quarters place.
Homeboyz proved clinical, beating hosts Western Bulls 26-5 and Menengai Oilers 17-7 before Impala Saracens forced them to a 12-all draw in Pool “A”. Mwamba pulled through Pool “B” unbeaten, crushing Kisumu 38-0, Mean Machine 19-0 and Nondies 26-12.
Homeboyz coach Simon Odongo was elated with the win, saying his players are mentally and physically prepared to defend the series. “We are well prepared for the season,” said Odongo.
Cup quarters: Homeboyz v Nondies, Nakuru v Masinde Muliro, Mwamba v Impala, KCB v Strathmore
Challenge Trophy quarters: Menengai Oilers v Kisumu, Egerton Wasps v Kisii, Mean Machine v Western Bulls, Kabras Sugar v Kenya Harlequin
