NYS Spades head coach Martin Munga could not hold back his emotions after his side sealed promotion back to Division One of the National Sevens Circuit.The Spades secured their return to the top tier after defeating Kabete Stallions 14-0 in the Kabeberi 7s Division Two final at the RFUEA Grounds on Sunday, 16 August.Download our Mozzart Sport App for more newsAs his players went through their post-match warm-down session, Munga stood watching with tears streaming down his face, overwhelmed by what the moment meant after several near misses."This means a lot, especially for the boys, because last year we reached a couple of finals, but we did not get first place. But we took the lessons we have been building; we lost a couple of players whom we discharged. We kept on with the journey, and I am thankful that it is finally paying off," Munga told Mozzart Sport.The promotion marks a significant milestone for a side that has steadily rebuilt despite losing key players along the way. ##NAJAVA_MECA_9903456##According to Munga, belief within the squad has been the biggest difference this season."The boys have just started to believe in themselves. The chemistry is starting to work. We are checking the boxes, and it has started to work," he added.The reward for their promotion is an immediate return to Division One at this weekend's Driftwood 7s in Mombasa, where they have been drawn in a daunting Pool D alongside Kabeberi 7s runners-up Strathmore Leos, hosts Mwamba RFC and MMUST.Amonde reveals what drove KCB’s turnaround from Dala disappointment to Kabeberi gloryThe promoted side will hope to carry their momentum from Nairobi into the coastal tournament, although they face a stern opening assignment against a Strathmore Leos outfit that reached their maiden National Sevens Circuit final at Kabeberi.Despite the difficult draw, Munga believes composure and improved execution will be crucial if his side is to compete with the circuit's established teams."It will be our second time in Division One. Composure will be key; we will have to get our set-pieces right and at least get 50 percent of the opposition's set-pieces. That will keep us in the game. On open play, we expect intensity," he said.This will be NYS Spades' second appearance in Division One this season after earning promotion for the Prinsloo 7s in Nakuru, where they won plenty of admirers despite failing to progress beyond the pool stages.NYS Spades back in Division One as Driftwood 7s pools are announcedThey narrowly lost 12-5 to Catholic University of East Africa (CUEA) Monks before pushing eventual champions KCB Rugby in a spirited 14-0 defeat. Their final pool match ended in a 10-0 loss to Nondescripts RFC.The Spades continued to show their fighting spirit in the Challenge Trophy, where they were edged 12-5 by Menengai Oilers in the quarterfinals before falling to Kisumu RFC in the 13th-place semifinal.Why Andrew Amonde is open to Shujaa return despite disappointing exitAlthough the results did not go their way, NYS earned widespread praise for their fearless attacking approach, defensive resilience and willingness to challenge some of the country's top sides.
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