Impala Rugby Club is preparing to bounce back in the second leg of the 2026 National Sevens Circuit, the Dala 7s, set for this weekend at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Kisumu. Following a tough outing at the Prinsloo 7s in Nakuru, where they currently sit 12th with five points, the team is determined to climb the rankings.

Challenging Pool Draw

The Gazelles have been placed in Pool A alongside formidable opponents including defending champions KCB Rugby, MMUST Rugby Club, and Zetech Oaks. This grouping promises intense competition and a test of Impala’s progress.

Coach’s Perspective

Head Coach Anthony Nyandigisi highlighted the lessons learned from Nakuru, emphasizing improvements in execution, discipline, and consistency as key focus areas heading into Kisumu.

  • “The Prinsloo 7s taught us valuable lessons,” Nyandigisi said. “The players have responded well in training. We respect our opponents but are confident in our ability to compete and deliver better results.”

New Talent Integration

The team continues to integrate new signings who debuted in Nakuru, including Leon Onduso, Ted Adrian, Jordie Imbali, and others. Their growing influence is expected to boost the squad’s performance.

Captain’s Outlook

Club captain Benjamin Madaga expressed optimism, noting the squad’s commitment to overcoming early setbacks and improving their standing.

  • “The mood is positive. We have taken responsibility for our past results and worked hard. The Dala 7s is a chance to prove our character and move up the table,” Madaga stated.

Women’s Team Ambitions

Impala’s women’s team, the Roans, will also compete in Kisumu. Currently fourth with 15 points, they face Mwamba RFC, Kisumu Dolphins, and Mwira Eagles in Pool A, aiming to strengthen their position in the National Women’s Sevens Circuit.

Looking Ahead

The Dala 7s offers a critical opportunity for Impala Rugby to gain momentum before the third leg, the Kabeberi Sevens, scheduled for August 15–16 in Nairobi. Both the men’s and women’s teams are focused on delivering strong performances to establish themselves as contenders in the series.