Kabras Sugar crowned Dala Sevens champions in Kisumu. Standard media photo

The 2024 Dala Sevens rugby tournament wrapped up with an exhilarating exhibition of athletic prowess and expertise at the Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Kisumu. This event, a highlight of the Kenyan rugby calendar, was marked with erce contests and thrilling performances from numerous teams. Kabras Sugar distinguished themselves as the premier team, claiming the prestigious Dala Sevens title by unseating the former champions, KCB. In a commanding nal match, Kabras triumphed over the Menengai Oilers with a decisive 24-5 scoreline, demonstrating their dominance on the pitch.

The nal match was decidedly one-sided, as Kabras seized control from the outset. Patrick Lumumba initiated the scoring for Kabras, establishing the rhythm with a skillfully executed try that put them in the lead at 7-0. Sketta quickly followed with another try, increasing their advantage to 12-0. As the rst half neared its conclusion, William Muhanji contributed to Kabras’ score, making it 17-0 and placing signicant pressure on the Menengai Oilers.

In the second half, the Oilers sought to mount a comeback, with Dennis Abukuse scoring a try to narrow the gap. Nevertheless, their attempts fell short in the face of the unstoppable Kabras momentum. Sketta secured Kabras’ victory with an additional try, nalizing the score at 24-5. Kabras’ journey to the nal was equally remarkable, as they overwhelmed Nakuru with a commanding 32-0 win in the quarternals and triumphed over Harlequins in the seminals, earning their place in the championship match.
This victory held great signicance for Kabras, marking their rise to the pinnacle of the Dala Sevens and reinforcing their status as one of Kenya’s elite rugby teams. Their success was built on a solid foundation of robust defense, disciplined gameplay, and the knack for seizing scoring chances.

This win dethroned KCB, the previous titleholders, and further highlighted Kabras’ increasing dominance in the rugby arena.
While the main event in Division One attracted considerable attention, the Division Two segment of the Dala Sevens also delivered its fair share of excitement, especially in the Challenge Trophy competition. Kisii Kifaru initiated the Challenge Trophy quarternals with an impressive 28-0 victory over Shamberere, setting the stage for what would become a competitive segment of the tournament. Northern Suburbs followed with a hard-fought 14-5 win against Bungoma RFC, securing their advancement to the seminals. Simultaneously, Mean Machine demonstrated their capabilities with a 19-7 victory over Homabay, and Sigalagala narrowly triumphed over Vihiga Granites with a close 12-10 win, completing the quarternals.
The seminals of Division Two were equally thrilling. MKU Thika faced off against Tororo RFC in a closely contested match, emerging victorious with a 12-5 win that propelled them to the
nal. Kabarak, meanwhile, competed against AP Warriors and clinched their place in the nal with a 19-5 victory, setting the stage for an exciting showdown for the Division Two title.
The thrilling climax of Division Two witnessed MKU Thika narrowly overcoming Kabarak with a score of 17-7, securing the 2024 Dala Sevens Division Two championship. This triumph not only awarded Mount Kenya University Thika the coveted title but also ensured their ascent to Division One, where they will face off in the forthcoming Kabeberi Sevens. Their path through the tournament was characterized by resilience, tenacity, and a cohesive team effort, making them a squad to keep an eye on as they prepare to tackle more formidable rivals in Division One.

The Dala Sevens remains a pivotal xture in Kenyan rugby, uniting teams from all corners of the nation to compete at an elevated level. The tournament’s framework, featuring both Division One and Division Two events, provides a platform for a diverse array of teams to display their skills and vie for accolades. This year’s edition further underscored the richness and caliber of rugby in Kenya, with both seasoned teams and rising newcomers delivering unforgettable performances. The occasion also highlighted the fervent support rugby garners in Kenya, as fans ocked in large numbers to cheer for their teams.

As the 2024 Dala Sevens drew to a close, it became evident that the tournament had once more fullled its promise. Kabras Sugar’s victory in Division One and MKU Thika’s success in Division Two rounded off a weekend lled with exhilarating rugby, paving the way for the next chapter in Kenya’s rugby calendar. With the Kabeberi Sevens approaching, teams will now turn their attention to gearing up for the challenges that lie ahead, as the competition is set to intensify from this point onward.