The Dala 7s will take place this coming weekend with 16 sides set to face off for the top division title as the National 7s Circuit enters its third round.
The competition has been on the schedule since 2003, and the name Dala means “Home” in Luo. Scrummage Africa takes a look at the Dala 7s roll of honour.
KCB Rugby at Dala 7s
KCB Rugby have claimed 6 titles. They are the most successful side in the competition, with their first title coming in 2004, followed by a second in 2006.
KCB vs Mwamba in a Kenya Cup encounter. Photo Courtesy/Denis Acre-half
In 2014, the bankers, led by immediate former head coach Curtis Olago, bagged their third title. The squad included Ian Indimuli, incoming 15s coach Oliver Mang’eni, team manager Philip Wamae, Stafford Abekah, Ken Moseti, Edwin Salamba, and Fabian Olando.
Active members Peter Waitere, Peter Kilonzo, Esau Otieno, Jack Ojee, and Darwin Mukidza were also part of the squad. Wamae, Salamba, and Mang’eni scored for a 21-5 win over Homeboyz in the 2014 final at Mamboleo Showground.
They had to wait five years to win again, beating Menengai Oilers 30-5 to take the 2019 edition. Levi Amunga, Vincent Onyala, Davis Chenge, Michael Wanjala, Jacob Ojee, and Andrew Amonde were on the scoresheet. Their latest victory was in 2023, with Edmund Anya, Jacob Ojee, and Vincent Onyala scoring for the win.
Mwamba’s Dala 7s success
Mwamba have bagged 3 titles. They secured the 2010 title with Collins Injera scoring a brace and Horace Otieno landing one try at the Kisumu Polytechnic grounds against Quins for a 15-12 win.
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In 2011, Kulabu defended their title following a 43-5 win over Kenya Harlequin at the Kisumu Polytechnic grounds. Humphrey Kayange and Michael Agevi scored a brace each, while Edgar Abere, Injera, and Lavin Asego added more tries.
Mwamba’s most recent title came in 2018, beating Homeboyz 17-0 at the Mamboleo Grounds. Daniel Taabu, Injera, and Eliakim Kichoi were on the scoresheet for Kevin Wambua’s side.
Homeboyz Rugby titles
Homeboyz also have three titles. Their first title came in 2016 when they beat Kenya Harlequin 48-5. Charles Omondi scored a brace of tries, while Alvin Otieno, Bush Mwale, Cyprian Kuto, Kevin Maasai, and Max Kang’eri each scored one try.
A year later, they defeated KCB 12-10, with Oscar Okaron’s try giving the Deejays a 7-5 lead at halftime and Jeff Oluoch grounding the winning try. In 2022, Amon Wamalwa, Leonard Mugaisi, and Collins Shikoli led Homeboyz to victory over Menengai Oilers.
Homeboyz in a past action. Photo Courtesy/Alex Njue
Kenya Harlequin have won 2 titles (2005, 2012), Nakuru have won 2 titles (2009, 2015), Ulinzi have 1 title (2003), and Strathmore Leos have 1 title (2013).
Dala 7s Roll of Honour
- 2003: Ulinzi
- 2004: KCB Rugby
- 2005: Kenya Harlequin
- 2006: KCB Rugby
- 2007: No competition
- 2008: No competition
- 2009: Nakuru
- 2010: Mwamba
- 2011: Mwamba
- 2012: Kenya Harlequin
- 2013: Strathmore Leos
- 2014: KCB Rugby
- 2015: Nakuru
- 2016: Homeboyz
- 2017: Homeboyz
- 2018: Mwamba
- 2019: KCB Rugby
- 2020: No competition (due to COVID-19)
- 2021: No competition (due to COVID-19)
- 2022: Homeboyz
- 2023: KCB Rugby
Summary of Titles
- KCB Rugby: 6 titles (2004, 2006, 2014, 2019, 2023)
- Mwamba: 3 titles (2010, 2011, 2018)
- Homeboyz: 3 titles (2016, 2017, 2022)
- Kenya Harlequin: 2 titles (2005, 2012)
- Nakuru: 2 titles (2009, 2015)
- Ulinzi: 1 title (2003)
- Strathmore Leos: 1 title (2013)
