Former Shujaa player Felix Ayange taking step at a time in coaching role at Kabras

Former Kenya 7s international Felix Ayange is hoping to use his time as the Kabras Sugar RFC head coach during the ongoing 2023 National 7s Circuit to get a clearer picture of the course his future career will be taking.

The former player, who is transitioning into a coaching role, was entrusted with leading the sugarmen in the 2023 7s campaign having seen former Kenya Simbas forward Max Adaka handed the same leading duties in the 2022 7s Circuit.

In his opening two tournaments, Ayange and his technical bench have seen Kabras make a blistering start to the season where they just fell short in the season opening Dala 7s final against KCB before going one step better and winning the Driftwood 7s in the second leg of the six-legged Series.

Speaking to Mozzart Sport about his budding journey so far, the 34-year-old, who received his World Rugby level II certification back in July 2022, opened up on the challenges so far but revealed he was all taking the experience in his stride in a bid to make informed decisions along the way.

“I would love to touch many lives in the sport and we have so many dockets – coaching, strength and coaching, management – with time I will get to narrow down which area suits me best. I am still taking it a step at a time and with time I will know where I want to go.

It has been quite challenging and hard for lack of a better word. But when you have a good working environment and guys around you who want you to grow, to be a better person and a better coach, that is where success comes from.

The most difficult part is execution of what you have planned. Most times you plan things but it does not necessarily mean that it will happen the same way you envisioned. The biggest lesson for me has just been to deal with what is within my control,” he said.

Currently sitting at the top of the 2023 7s standings with a two-point buffer, Ayange lauded his side for the work they have been putting behind the scenes that have started to get results.

"Winning the Driftwood 7s started way back in terms of our planning, execution and recovery. We had a nine-week preseason and that gave room to the proper planning and preparations we have had.

Finding the correct combinations has also been key for us and using players where they are strong. Execution of what we plan has also helped us to where we are,” the coach noted.

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