4 teams that could win 2025 National 7s Circuit

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The National 7s Circuit kicks off this weekend with 16 teams vying for the title and a cash prize of 300,000 at the end of the campaign.

While many sides will be looking to make their mark, several key factors will determine who emerges as champion.

Teams with sufficient squad depth, top-level fitness, the right blend of experience, and solid financial backing are the ones most likely to lift the trophy.

Here’s a look at four teams that could be crowned champions this season:

Kabras RFC

Kabras RFC head into the National 7s Circuit as strong contenders, and this could finally be their year. In the past two seasons, they have come close, only to fall short at key moments. In 2023, a late-season loss of five key players to the Kenya 7s camp disrupted their momentum, despite an impressive 18-match winning streak.

Last season, they started strongly with a youthful squad that won the Christie 7s and reached the Kakamega 7s final. With the return of stars like Brian Tanga and Derrick Ashihundu, they added the Dala 7s title but stumbled once again at Kabeberi, which has become a recurring hurdle.

This season, they have an exciting crop of young talent from their Eric Shirley Shield squad, while last season’s youthful core, including Eric Cantona, Brian Mutua, Jackson Siketi, Biden Hayo, and Patrick Kluivert, returns from injury.

Several of their players featured for Kenya 7s and Morans last season, and this international experience will be a huge asset.

Despite missing some Kenya Simbas stars early on, Kabras have the depth, skill, experience and coaches needed to mount a serious title challenge.

If they’ve learned from recent near misses, this could finally be the season they lift the National 7s Circuit title for the first time since 2017.

KCB

Though quiet in the preseason, KCB Rugby remain strong contenders and will be eager to clinch their fifth National 7s Circuit title in 12 years. After ending the 2024/25 season without a single trophy, the National 7s Circuit has become a top priority,  something emphasized during the unveiling of Dennis Mwanja as interim head coach following Oliver Mang’eni’s exit.

Mwanja, a former winner of this title, will have a solid core led by Kenyan international Vincent Onyala, Floyd Wabwire, and Festus Shiasi. Samuel Asati and Brian Wahinya are expected to join later in the campaign.

With additional firepower from Emmanuel Opondo, Levy Amunga, Lionel Ajeliti, Elvis Olukusi, and Austin Sikutwa, the bankers have the depth to challenge for the title.

However, they must strike the right balance and avoid being consumed by the pressure to deliver,  lest the hunger to end a trophy less run leads to another collapse.

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Menengai Oilers

Menengai Oilers have shown significant improvement in the longer version of the game, winning the Floodlit Tournament and the Varsity category. They also finished second in both the Kenya Cup and the Enterprise Cup, and will be keen to carry this impressive form into the shorter version of the game.

Since their famous 2022 victory, the Oilers have had to settle for fourth place in the last two campaigns. This season, they will be eager to lift a trophy after narrowly missing out on top honours in both the Kenya Cup and the Enterprise Cup.

The team will, of course, be led by Denis Abukuse, who has been their linchpin in the shorter version of the game. Key players such as Samuel Mwaura, Abutwalib Wesonga, Beldad Ogeta and Chrispine Shitundo are expected to play crucial roles in their campaign, supported by a wave of upcoming talents ready to make an impact.

Kenya Harlequin

Kenya Harlequin have retained the majority of their squad from last season, with only Herman Humwa exiting and Arnold Onzere currently on the injury list.

Several factors contributed to their recent success, including the guidance of multiple National 7s Circuit winner Paul Murunga (who has since left), a compact squad, and the invaluable support of seasoned veterans.

This season, they face the daunting task of defending their title, but they still boast a strong technical bench. Patrice Agunda now serves as head coach, Simon Odongo leads the 7s program, and the presence of Willy Ambaka,  credited with improving their fitness last season,  remains a huge asset.

With these key figures still in place and the addition of National 7s Circuit winner Michael Shamiah to the technical bench, the Quins still have what it takes to mount a strong title defence.

Special mentions

There is always the likelihood of dark horses and surprise packages emerging, just like Kenya Harlequin did last season. Quins rose from a sixth-place finish in 2023 to clinch the championship. This season, Strathmore Leos and Nondies are among the teams expected to pose a strong challenge, but they will need to assemble enough firepower to get the job done.