Silverbacks out to impress in Safaricom 7s

THE national rugby team, Silverbacks, arrived in Nairobi yesterday ahead of this year’s Safaricom 7s that gets underway on Saturday.Speaking to Times Sport acting head Coach Joseph Bugabo said the team is confident of putting up good performance. “We are ready for the tournament. We will bank on experience gained in the previous edition and hope to have a successful tournament,” he said.The three-day annual tournament is scheduled to take place at Nairobi’s Nyayo Stadium.After three failed attempts to win the coveted trophy, the Silverbacks are hopeful on doing better this time round than on the previous three occasions.Last year, Rwanda reached the semi finals (Plate) and lost to rivals Uganda, but, according to Bugabo, they are ready to make a step further.This will be Silverbacks’ fourth appearance in the Safaricom 7s tournament which attracts elite teams from the region and beyond. The team list includes Benjamin Makombe, Marcel Cambara, Olivier Uwamahoro, Vincent Kamali, Ignance Nsanzimana, Ivan Makmoti, Juvenal Gatabazi, Philip Mana, Otimu Allan, Joe and Aime Ndahirwa.Meanwhile, the team joins Samurai among teams which have arrived in Kenya for the tournament. Zimbabwe and Namibia pulled out of the two-day gala prompting organisers to give Uganda a second slot.Other teams expected include Western Province (Zambia), SA Sevens Academy, Grenoble, Spain and Portugal while Hamilton Raiders will arrive on Friday.The draw for this year’s Safaricom Seven’s tournament, slatted to commence on Friday, will be held today Nyayo national stadium.The draws will have the already confirmed 16 teams pooled. Kenya will be represented by four teams including new entrants Kenya Harlequins. The Kenya National sevens circuit champions will be joining Kenya 1, Shujaa and Chairman’s select.Teams Kenya, Shujaa, Chairman’s Select, Kenya Harlequins, Bristol Barracudas, Hamilton Raiders, Portugal, Uganda, SA Sevens Academy, Grenoble, Spain, Samurai, Rwanda, Uganda II, Western Province, Zambia.

Sports

Silverbacks out to impress in Safaricom 7s