KCB Rugby head coach Andrew Amonde has credited dedication and a strong mindset for his side's impressive response to their disappointing Dala 7s campaign, culminating in their triumph at the 2026 Kabeberi 7s.The Bankers were crowned Kabeberi 7s champions after edging Strathmore Leos 14-12 in a thrilling final played on Sunday, 16 August at the RFUEA Grounds.Download our Mozzart Sport App for more newsThe victory marked a significant turnaround for KCB, who had endured a frustrating outing at the Dala 7s earlier this month. Despite arriving in Kisumu as defending champions and fresh from winning the season-opening Prinsloo 7s, the Bankers suffered a shock Main Cup quarterfinal exit before settling for fifth place after defeating Strathmore Leos 24-17 in the fifth-place playoff.##NAJAVA_MECA_901490##Speaking after lifting the Kabeberi title, Amonde said the players responded positively by taking responsibility for their shortcomings and working hard to correct them."The dedication and the mindset. We noted where we fell short, took ownership, and the boys came back and put in the big effort. The mental aspect is something we are trying to bring back to KCB so that we can overcome such challenges. We keep on working to get a strong team that can represent us,” the tactician said.Why Andrew Amonde is open to Shujaa return despite disappointing exitThe former Kenya Sevens captain described the title as a fitting reward for the effort the squad invested after their disappointing trip to Kisumu."It is a beautiful ending, especially coming from a loss in Kisumu. It shows how dedicated they were to reach this far. It is a reward,” he offered.Although delighted with the victory, Amonde insisted KCB are still far from their best and promised further improvements ahead of the Driftwood 7s in Mombasa."The best is yet to be seen from KCB. We are struggling with a few of our games, and some things that we need to work on. We still need to keep going. We still have a few players to try out, so there will be a few changes that are coming in as we go down to Mombasa and see how we can boost our squad,” he said.KCB will head to Mombasa as the defending Driftwood 7s champions and have been drawn in Pool A alongside Menengai Oilers, Kisii RFC and Catholic Monks. Grieving Leos go down fighting as KCB bag Kabeberi crown in emotional finalThe Bankers will be looking to successfully defend their title while building on the momentum from their Kabeberi triumph.Amonde also acknowledged the emotional weight of the final, with Strathmore Leos playing in honour of their late teammate Hamza Muhaise, whose passing had united the squad throughout the weekend."I am getting used to it. It is not easy; it can show from how the boys played the final. Strathmore were all out for the final. I know they are playing for a bigger person; Hamza, who lost his life, and denying them that win was hard. But an assignment is an assignment. KCB came out to win the tournament, and they worked so hard that they have been able to win it,” he concluded.
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