Kabras Sugar reclaim Dala 7s title as SportPesa 7s race opens up

Kabras Sugar produced a strong second-half comeback in Kisumu to beat Menengai Oilers 19-5 and claim the Dala 7s title, moving top of the 2026 SportPesa National Sevens Circuit standings after two legs. The victory came in the second leg of the 2026 SportPesa National 7s circuit. Having watched KCB lift the trophy at their expense, the Sugar Millers returned determined. Their success moved them into first place in the overall standings.

Fans following this year’s SportPesa National 7s Circuit are witnessing dramatic rugby. Menengai Oilers led 5-0 at half-time, but Kabras responded strongly after the restart. Derrick Ashihundu, Rayvon Ambale and Fredrick Wangila all contributed tries during the turnaround. Ambale converted his own score, while Michael Lukusi added the conversion following Wangila’s effort.

Kabras complete a memorable comeback

The second half belonged firmly to Kabras as they transformed a narrow deficit into victory. Derrick Ashihundu brought the scores level before youngster Rayvon Ambale crossed and converted his own effort. Fredrick Wangila then extended the advantage, with Michael Lukusi adding the conversion to widen the gap between the finalists. The sequence showed their ability to respond under pressure.

Captain Mathias Osimbo described the success as a reward for perseverance following their defeat in Nakuru. His side had reached the previous leg’s final but fallen short, making the Kisumu triumph particularly satisfying. Supporters looking for Kabras Sugar rugby news have another memorable chapter after the team’s return to the summit. The result confirmed their status as serious contenders for the crown.

“Kabras’ comeback, KCB’s setback, Mwamba’s progress and the rise of new challengers show how competitive this circuit has become. Every leg is producing fresh storylines, and that is exactly what makes the SportPesa National 7s Circuit exciting for players, clubs and fans,” said SportPesa Kenya Head of PR, Willis Ojwang.

Mwamba edge Harlequins in extra-time drama

Kenya Harlequins had earlier made headlines by eliminating defending series champions KCB. Their push for a podium finish was halted by Mwamba 7s in a dramatic third-place encounter. The sides finished regulation time at 17-17, forcing extra time before captain Shaquel Bosire produced the decisive moment. Mwamba won 22-27 after extra time and claimed third position.

The outcome capped a productive weekend for Mwamba, whose women’s team also reached the top step. Mwamba Ladies defeated local rivals Kenya Harlequins 10-7 in the Division One women’s final after a last-minute try. That success delivered back-to-back Dala 7s titles and KES 100,000 in prize money. The club therefore left Kisumu celebrating achievements across both men’s and women’s competitions.

KCB face setback after Prinsloo success

KCB entered Kisumu with confidence after an impressive Prinsloo campaign that saw the bankers sweep aside their opponents. Their momentum failed to transfer smoothly into the second leg as MMUST held them to a tense 19-19 draw during the pool stage. The result warned that their Nakuru form might not guarantee another deep run. That concern became reality when Kenya Harlequins delivered the tournament’s major upset in the quarter-finals.

The defending champions were denied the chance to retain their Dala crown and settled for fifth position. KCB recovered some pride by defeating Strathmore 24-17 in their classification match. Their exit gives the team plenty to consider. Meanwhile, the result has opened the title race and strengthened Kabras’ position at the top.

SportPesa circuit enters an exciting new phase

SportPesa Head of Public Relations Willis Ojwang praised the competitiveness witnessed throughout the Kisumu weekend. He highlighted the physical matches, unpredictable results and determination shown by teams challenging the established order. His comments pointed particularly to Harlequins and MMUST as examples of sides narrowing the gap against traditional front-runners. With two legs completed, the field promises an intriguing series.

The SportPesa rugby promotion battle at Impala Club also produced drama, with Catholic Monks defeating Stallions 20-14 in the Division 2 final. Catholic Monks earned promotion to Division 1 and KES 70,000, while Stallions received KES 30,000 as runners-up. Attention now shifts towards Nairobi for the third leg, the Kabeberi Memorial Sevens, scheduled for 15–16 August at Impala Club. The next outing gives contenders another chance to challenge the standings.

Conclusion

Kabras Sugar’s Dala 7s triumph changed the 2026 SportPesa National 7s Circuit after two legs. Their recovery from a 5-0 deficit demonstrated resilience, while Mwamba’s men’s and women’s achievements added colour. KCB’s early elimination showed that previous success offers no guarantee, keeping the championship race open. Kabras now sit at the summit with momentum on their side.

As the series heads into its one-week break, Kabras will carry their lead into the Kabeberi Memorial Sevens. KCB will be eager to respond, while Harlequins, MMUST, Mwamba and other challengers have shown they can disrupt the established hierarchy. Catholic Monks’ promotion adds another storyline to the circuit. The next chapter in Nairobi on 15–16 August will reveal whether Kabras can protect their advantage.