Daystar Falcons count on returning stars for Driftwood Sevens campaign

Daystar Falcons coach Bosire is counting on the return of Eddy Wambugu and Clinton Amukwachi to boost the team’s push for a semi-final place at this weekend’s Driftwood Sevens in Mombasa.

The Athi River-based outfit currently occupy sixth position in the series standings with 35 points, but Bosire remains confident about their chances after a solid opening to the campaign.

“After three legs, the boys are ticking the boxes well. We have had a strong start, playing in two Cup quarter-finals and finishing eighth. Now we need the boys to be consistent heading into the next three tournaments,” said Bosire.

Wambugu and Amukwachi were instrumental in Daystar’s sixth-place finish at last weekend’s Kabeberi Sevens, where the university side narrowly lost 19-10 to Mwamba in the fifth-place play-off.

“It was good to have them back. They are very experienced, and they are mentoring some of our youngest players in the squad,” added Bosire.

Daystar began their Kabeberi campaign strongly, beating Impala 24-0 before registering a 14-7 victory over Kisumu. Their momentum was checked by a 19-7 defeat to Quins in the pool stage.

They subsequently suffered a 27-12 quarter-final loss to Strathmore Leos but bounced back in the classification match, stunning favourites Kabras 19-12 to secure a fifth-place play-off.

The Falcons will, however, be without influential winger Patrick Odongo in Mombasa after he picked up an ankle injury against Quins.

“As you are aware, Odongo is part of the Kenya Shujaa players who will be playing in the Ultimate Sevens in Europe next month, so he will rest for the next fortnight before travelling,” said Bosire.

Daystar have been placed in Pool C alongside Menengai Oilers, Nakuru and Kilifi RFC, setting up a demanding group-stage campaign.

Bosire is targeting another deep run but wants his players to remain focused on the immediate task rather than look too far ahead.

“We are on the right path, but we will take it one game at a time and ensure that, come the end of the day, we have qualified for the Main Cup quarter-finals,” he said.

Pool A brings together Quins, Kabras, Nondies and hosts Mombasa Sports Club (MSC) in what promises to be one of the toughest groups.

Defending champions KCB will meet Emerging Uganda Sevens, Kisumu RFC and Blak Blad in Pool B, while Kabeberi Sevens runners-up Strathmore Leos have been drawn against Mwamba, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology and Division Two champions NYS Spades in Pool D.

Daystar’s semi-final hopes will depend on whether Wambugu and Amukwachi can turn their experience into 

consistent performances throughout the Driftwood Sevens, especially with Odongo unavailable.