University of Nairobi’s Mean Machine coach Elly Mukaisi has revealed the deliberate focus that helped the university side secure promotion to Division One of the Christie 7s slated for Saturday, 12, to Sunday, 13 September, at the RFUEA Grounds.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsThe students produced a remarkable run at the Embu 7s last weekend, winning the Division Two title after defeating Northern Suburbs 22-10 in the final.The win saw them earn their place in Division One for the first time this season.Their success was built on a defensive foundation that had been laid in the two weeks leading up to the Embu tournament.##NAJAVA_MECA_9945630##Speaking to Mozzart Sport, Mukaisi said that the team made defense and set pieces their primary focus in training, a decision that paid dividends as they conceded just three tries throughout the tournament.“For the two weeks leading up to the Embu 7s, we had been working on our defense. You could see the results because throughout the tournament, we conceded only three tries. Our main focus was on defence and set pieces, and it paid off,” Mukaisi said.Mean Machine were ruthless from the start of their pool campaign, opening with a 38-0 demolition of Olive Rugby 7s before beating KCA University 22-7 and Karatina 7s 36-0 to qualify for the quarter-finals.Their defensive resolve continued in the knockout stages.They shut out the JKUAT Cougars 17-0 in the quarter-finals before recording another clean sheet in a 10-0 semi-final victory over Catholic University of East Africa (CUEA) Monks.Former Gor Mahia forward Lwasa finds new home in AngolaIn the final, they conceded just two tries as they held off Northern Suburbs 22-10 to lift the Division Two title.Mukaisi further explained that the players were initially surprised by how far they had progressed but quickly embraced the opportunity when they found themselves in the final.“The boys were surprised when they reached the final, and they were very happy. What we had told them to execute on the pitch worked, and they did exactly that,” he said.The promotion marks a significant step for Mean Machine, who will now test themselves against the top sides in Division One when the circuit heads to the Christie 7s.Former Kayole Starlets coach joins Kibera Soccer WomenDespite the step up in competition, Mukaisi insisted that his players are not intimidated.“We are not feeling any jitters ahead of our Division One debut. We are happy, and as Mean Machine, we just want to enjoy our rugby,” he said.##NAJAVA_MECA_9945644##The coach added that the team is embracing the opportunity after initially having to fight for recognition.“We were supposed to be invited, but now we have invited ourselves, and we are very happy. I am sure the boys will do their best. Congratulations to them; they have worked for it, and they deserve it,” he disclosed.At the Christie 7s, Mean Machine have been drawn in Pool B alongside Kenya Cup heavyweights Kabras RFC, KU Blak Blad and NYS Spades.