John Andrews Memorial Sevens Champs 1983

Back row left to right: Anthony Okulo, Chris Kavila, Robert Abayo Ouko, Anthony Maleche & Andrew Kimwele

Front row left to right: P.J. Okiro, Michael Makonzi Sozi & Jim Ayoki (RIP)


Chris Kavila remembers; If I remember correctly the finals was one of the most brusing I have ever played. For the first time in that tournament somebody brought me down... HARD. Ayoki was the star of that game helping us keep possession in the pack and... that is what saved us. Still I will admit that the true heroes of that win were a Lenana D side mainly made up of third and fourth formers. They knocked out the dreaded RVA A for us. They were of course under the very able hands of one Max "take no prisoners" Muniafu. I'd love to see a group photo of that Lenana D. Mawira, Keitany. Abila, Senga (I think)... It is such a long time I have forgotten.

With the benefit of hindsight Lugard house were the true bomb in that team with no less than 3 players out of the 8. Including the real strength of this sevens team-2 star wingers (both from Lugard) who scared the hell out of Kikwai "silver thighs" of RVA. Namely Andy Kimwele amd "Msaja" Sozi. Kimwele's lighting speed side steps and Sozi's amazing milli-seconds accleration made even me who was playing an admiring spectator many times in that tournament.

Another player on that side Sozi adds: It would have been interesting to see what would have happened if Lenana "A" had met RVA "A", anyway after the RFUEA Sevens semifinal extra-time knockout by Saints we were determined to win this one. We beat Patch "B" (An up and coming Romb...o was part of that team), avenged the Saints "A" defeat and then kept the youngsters at bay in the Final. We only conceded one try in that whole tournament when I "let" Abila slip past for a consolation try! I am told Lenana "D" went on to play as Lenana "A" the following year in the Final but lost to Patch "A". Anyway, hats off to Lenana "D" - they also knocked out Patch "A".

Chris Kavila adds: If we were bright this photo should have been taken with those Lenana D lads... But alas Lenana was Lenana in those days and seniority counted for a lot.