KCB raid Blak Blad for top talent as they beef up the squad ahead of new season

KCB RFC have raided Blak Blad for top talents after snapping up prop Nick Okullo and playmaker Lionel Ajeliti as they beef up their squad ahead of the National Sevens Circuit.

The two players have been instrumental in the Kenyatta University side’s run in recent years with Okullo a vital cog during his stint after showing great power and skill while Ajeliti provided the much-needed creativity to the side.

Ajeliti was among the men who have manned the Blak Blad backline when they claimed the KUSA Sevens and Varsity League and makes a big jump to the pressure cooker that is KCB who are perennial title challengers.

“A true playmaker departs, leaving behind a legacy of brilliance, the Bladbin will miss your strategic genius. All the best as you set off to conquer new fields,” Blak Blad said of Ajeliti.

The club also paid tribute to the departing Okullo, saying: “Big number 1, the stepping prop. It's been an honour you donning the Blakblad Jersey we wish you all the best as you set to conquer new tuff.”

KCB lost long-serving captain Curtis Lilako who retired at the end of last season and are looking to freshen up the team ahead of the new season. 

Blak Blad have become a feeder team of sorts for KCB having lost a number of players to their Thika Road rivals with Brain Wahinya and Levi Amunga among those who decamped recently. KCB confirmed the signings alongside the arrival of Elvis Namusasi, Austin Sikutwa and William Opaka.

The Bankers have played second fiddle to Kabras Sugar in the Kenya Cup and Enterprise Cup in the last two seasons and will be seeking to reclaim the titles in the new campaign, but first, the Sevens Circuit, set to begin with the Dala Sevens in Kisumu on July 1, awaits.

KCB and Homeboyz are the most successful sides at Dala Sevens, each having won three titles, with Kenya Harlequin and Nakuru on two apiece while Impala Saracens, Strathmore Leos, and the defunct military side Ulinzi having one to their name.