KCB head coach Andrew Amonde is confident his emerging players can rise to the occasion when the Bankers begin their Christie 7s campaign despite the absence of several key stars.
Captain Vincent Onyala, George Ooro, Festus Shiasi, Nygel Amaitsa, and Samuel Asati will miss the Christie 7s after travelling to Wales for the inaugural Ultimate Sevens Championship in Cardiff, which takes place on Saturday, 12 September.The Christie 7s will run from Saturday, 12, to Sunday, 13, September at the RFUEA Grounds, presenting Amonde with a chance to give his second-string players a bigger role as KCB chase both the tournament title and the National Sevens Circuit crown.
The Bankers head into the final leg of the circuit on a high after edging arch-rivals Kabras Sugar 12-10 to win the Embu 7s title.They have been drawn in Pool A alongside hosts Kenya Harlequins, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) Rugby, and Club Afrique.KCB requires only a semi-final appearance at Christie to successfully retain their National Sevens Circuit title.
With several established players away, the responsibility will now fall on the likes of Clyde Kimaya, David Nyangige, Emmanuel Opondo, and Kevin Ochieng to carry the team’s challenge. Amonde views the situation as both a challenge and an opportunity for the younger players to prove themselves.“It is going to be a big challenge for KCB. With most of our main stars heading to Wales, it opens up an opportunity for the young players coming through to put on the jersey, express themselves, and show what they can do. It is also an opportunity for them to help us secure the overall 7s circuit,” he said.
The former Kenya Sevens coach also believes the experience gained by players competing at international tournaments can have a wider impact on the club and Kenyan rugby.“International tournaments provide valuable exposure for players at this level. They get to grow, learn, and experience the international side of the 7s game. That is a big plus for us as a club, for the national team coaches and, ultimately, for the country, because it allows us to identify and develop the best players,” he added.
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KCB’s triumph in Embu was particularly significant after the Bankers had missed out on the title after a narrow loss to Strathmore Leos in the 2025 final.Amonde explained that the team responded by setting its sights firmly on winning the tournament this time around.“We set our goals at the beginning of the circuit. We missed out on Embu the last time, but we went back to Embu determined to finally win it, and we worked very hard to achieve that. Credit goes to our players, fans and sponsors for their support. We have been working hard, and going into Christie, we want to finish the circuit on a high,” he said.
With the circuit title within touching distance, Amonde will be hoping his young charges can handle the pressure, maintain KCB’s momentum, and ensure the bankers close out their campaign as champions.