Kyabazinga 7s: Walukuba Barbarians out to defend title on home turf

National Rugby 7s Standings

Heathens – 75 pts
Pirates – 69 pts
Toyota – 64 pts
KCB Kobs – 60 pts
Walukuba – 57 pts

The battleground for the Kyabazinga 7s is set. Fireworks are expected this Saturday and Sunday as teams clash in the Kyabazinga Rugby 7s circuit at Bugembe Stadium.

Despite trailing in fifth position on the log with 57 points, hosts Walukuba Barbarians are not ready to surrender their title to any opponent. Last year, the Barbarians won both cultural institution circuits, the Kyabazinga 7s and the Kabaka 7s, and they are eager to replicate that historic double, starting on home turf this weekend.

Well aware of how challenging and competitive the circuit will be, Walukuba Barbarians head coach Leonard Lubambula declared that his charges are ready to give everything to defend their title.

"The boys are more than ready, and we have a full house. My biggest challenge right now is selecting the starting squad," Lubambula told Vision Sports.

Heathens players try to stop a Buffaloes player during the final of the Lawii Rwodi Rugby 7s tournament in Gulu. Heathens won 12-7. PHOTO BY JOHNSON WERE

"We had some bad days in the office during the opening circuits, and it may be difficult to chase down the overall championship trophy. However, our immediate focus is to win this circuit and then plan for the next one, which is the Kabaka 7s," Lubambula added.

Walukuba will rely heavily on key players including Ivan Bulima, Gift Wokorach, Mathew Oluka, Shafik Manisur, Ahmed Ssenkyanzi, Hector Twinomugisha, Edward Emiemu, and Bob Kawanda to anchor their campaign.

However, table leaders Platinum Credit Heathens are taking no opponents for granted. They are approaching every single fixture as a cup final during the two-day action-packed event.

"We are ready. The team has been training hard, and we are not taking any team lightly. Every game will be a final to us, and we are going out tough," Heathens coach Muhammad Onyango said.

Sitting comfortably at the top of the log with 75 points, six ahead of their closest challengers, Stanbic Black Pirates (69 points), the Heathens are playing strictly for a win.

As the Heathens and Walukuba finalise their strategies, Stanbic Black Pirates and fourth-placed KCB Kobs (60 points) are also targeting maximum points to stay in fierce contention for the overall National Sevens title.

The Women's Category

In the women's division, the Nile Rapids, Thunderbirds, and Avengers are set for an intense showdown.

The Nile Rapids, who have asserted their dominance by winning three of the first four circuits, are targeting victory at the Kyabazinga 7s to significantly widen their lead and edge closer to the overall championship crown.