KCB RFC Target Safari 7s Glory with Fresh Faces

KCB RFC head into the 27th Safari 7s with fresh leadership and rising talent, ready to build on their recent success.

The Kenya Commercial Bank rugby club (KCB RFC) will take to the pitch this weekend for the highly anticipated 27th edition of the Safari 7s.

The prestigious tournament is set to run from Thursday, 9 to Sunday, 12 October 2025 at the Nyayo National Stadium, promising four days of electrifying rugby action.

The Bankers, still celebrating their recent conquest of the National Sevens Circuit title, enter the Safari 7s as one of the definitive top contenders.

Their recent domestic success provides a formidable foundation of momentum and confidence as they face a truly international field.

This year’s tournament has attracted an impressive total of 20 teams, comprising 12 men’s and eight women’s sides, drawing talent from across the region and further afield.

The men's competition promises to be a spectacular contest as Kenya’s national side, Shujaa, look to defend their crown.

They will face stiff resistance from formidable regional powerhouses such as Uganda and Zimbabwe, both eager to unseat the hosts.

The competitive intensity is further heightened by the participation of other strong African challengers, including Zambia and Reunion. Adding an intriguing local flavour is the presence of the Walukuba Barbarians from Uganda.

The international flair is further amplified by elite invitational sides, including Shogun Rugby, the dynamic French Renegades, UK Select, and Apache Rugby, ensuring a truly global test for all teams involved.

Safari 7s: A New Generation Steps Up

With several of KCB's established senior stars on national duty with Shujaa, including key players like Floyd Wabwire, Vincent Onyala, Samuel Asati, Festus Shiasi, and Elvis Olukusi, the club’s campaign will be steered by fresh leadership and a crop of exciting young talent.

In a temporary yet significant change, the team will be under the stewardship of Coach Jacob Ojee, who takes charge in place of regular head coach Andrew Amonde.

Ojee has full confidence in the squad’s comprehensive preparations and their readiness to make a decisive impact at the tournament.

“We are coming into the Safari 7s with momentum and belief after a successful circuit. The boys are in great shape, and our focus is on executing our game plan with precision,” said Coach Ojee.

"The Safari 7s is always a special tournament. Playing against top regional and international teams gives us an invaluable opportunity to test ourselves and raise our standards. We are here to compete and make our fans proud.”

Coach Ojee will be heavily banking on the club’s exciting crop of youngsters to seize this opportunity and step up to the immense challenge.

The list of emerging talent poised to shoulder this responsibility is impressive, featuring rising stars such as Austin Sikutwa, Bramwel Kilwake, Mike Wekesa, Brian Wahinya, and Emmanuel Opondo.

Their youthful exuberance and skill will be complemented by the experience of seasoned players like Bob Muhati and Davies Nyaundi, who are expected to provide crucial stability and leadership on the big stage.

This blend of youth and experience will be key to KCB’s success as they aim to demonstrate the depth and resilience of the club's development system.