AFTER impressing in the Kwoloo 10s early this year, Silverbacks care taker coach Gerald Nsenga has challenged his squad to put in a good show in the prestigious Safaricom 7s which rolls off this Friday in Nairobi.

The national rugby team departs for Nairobi this morning and Nsenga is optimistic the team can make a name for themselves in the competition considered to be Africa’s premier 7s tourney.

"The lads are hungry to have a go at the two-day tournament and I’m sure they can leave a lasting impression for the big boys,” Nsenga said.

This year’s edition, slated for June 4 to 6, has attracted 16 teams-including newcomers Argentina, Ponsonby from New Zealand and defending champions Kenya. Others include Botswana, Zambia, Namibia, Morocco, and Zimbabwe.

After the tourney, the Silverbacks have two weeks to recuperate before playing in the Carcassonne 7s slated for June 22 – 26 in France.

Due to the Safaricom 7s, the league kick-off has now been pushed to next week. As expected, this year’s title surge will be spearheaded by reigning champions Buffaloes, three-time league champions Lion de Fer and Gorillas. Other teams include UNR Grizzlies, Sharks, Simba, Puma, Kaduha tigers, Marines and ISAE.

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