Kabras to include school boys in Christie 7s squad with big guns on national duty

Former Kenya Sevens player Felix Ayange is optimistic that Kabras RFC will rise to the occasion in the first leg of the 2024 National 7s Circuit, Christie 7s, scheduled for Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 July at the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi.

The three-peat Kenya Cup champions will be keen to pick up from where they left off during the 2023 Circuit when they finished second overall with 104 points. They won the Driftwood and Prinsloo 7s but failed to sparkle in the Tisap and Kabeberi 7s tournaments.

This time round, the team will miss the services of their key players who are out on national duty. Kevin Wekesa, Brian Tanga, and Lameck Ambetsa are out with the Shujaa in Paris for the Olympics.

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The likes of speedster Derrick Ashiundu, Alfred Orege, Walter Okoth, and Barry Robinson are with the Simbas in Uganda for the Rugby Africa Cup.

Players like Patrick Lumumba, William Mwanji, Griffins Chao, and Brian Mutua will be expected to rise to the occasion.

“It's going to be quite interesting. We don't have our senior players but I believe with this young core group of players, we can adapt quickly and be in contention by the time the senior players return for the third leg," Ayange revealed.

In addition to the experienced players in the team, the Kakamega-based club has drafted the services of players from local schools like Chavakali, Kakamega, and Musingu who will be making their debut over the weekend.

“We have a few players who played at the top level last season and I believe they will be able to guide the youngsters who we have picked from local schools,” he disclosed.

Reflecting on the past circuit, Ayange noted that they picked their lessons and will be keen to apply them this season. The tactician blamed injuries and poor decisions for their late collapse.

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"It was a learning curve for us. We started the circuit very well but injuries and poor decision-making in the key matches cost us. They have learnt their lessons and are well prepared for this one," he noted.

The Sugarmen have been placed in Pool B together with Nakuru RFC, close town neighbors Kisumu RFC, and Catholic Monks.

Ayange is a World Rugby Level II accredited coach. The former Shujaa playmaker will be attempting to bring the immense expertise he gathered under former Shujaa coach Mike Friday during his prime to the table.

The tactician played club rugby in 2009 for elite teams including Strathmore Leos and Kenya Harlequins in addition to representing Kenya U20.

2024 CHRISTIE 7s POOLS

Pool A: KCB Rugby, Nondescripts, Homeboyz Rugby, Impala RFC

Pool B: Kabras Sugar, Nakuru RFC, Kisumu RFC, Catholic Monks

Pool C: Strathmore Leos, Kenya Harlequin, KU Blak Blad, Daystar Falcons

Pool D: Menengai Oilers, Mwamba RFC, Masinde Muliro, University of Eldoret