Blow for Kabras RFC as South African utility back retires
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Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 04.03.26. | 10:45
His absence at the start of the current campaign had sparked speculation among rugby pundits, with many believing the Sugarmen were wrapping him in cotton ahead of crucial fixtures later in the season
Kenya Cup defending champions Kabras RFC have been dealt a significant setback in their quest for a fifth consecutive title following the retirement of their experienced utility back, Ntabeni Dukisa.
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Mozzart Sport can exclusively confirm that the South African has called time on his illustrious career, bringing to an end a journey that spanned professional rugby in South Africa and a trophy-laden stint in Kenya.
Dukisa’s absence at the start of the current campaign had sparked speculation among rugby pundits, with many believing the Sugarmen were wrapping him in cotton ahead of crucial fixtures later in the season.
However, it has now emerged that the versatile back has quietly stepped away from the game.
The retirement comes just months after Dukisa had finally been cleared to represent the Kenya Simbas.
He had initially been called up in 2023 but was ineligible to feature due to residency requirements set by World Rugby. At the time, the rules required a player to complete five years of unbroken residency before switching national allegiance.
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Following amendments to the eligibility regulations, Dukisa became eligible and was named in a 35-man squad by Kenya Simbas head coach Jerome Paarwater for the Elgon Cup in October 2024.
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The revised rules opened the door for players like Dukisa, making him the second foreign-born player to turn out for Kenya after Jone Kubu, who debuted for the Simbas in 2021 after featuring for Kabras since 2016.
Despite finally getting clearance, Kenyan fans did not get to see much of Dukisa in national colours before he decided to hang up his boots.
Dukisa’s rugby journey began in South Africa, where he once came close to earning higher honours. In 2012, he was selected for the South African Barbarians squad that faced England during their tour of the country. He marked the occasion with a try but never broke into the Springboks setup.
He later featured for the Southern Kings in the Pro14 and turned out for the Eastern Province Elephants in the Currie Cup before making a life-changing move to Kenya in 2019.
When he arrived at Kabras Sugar, his mission was simple: help the club secure a second Kenya Cup title. The idea of representing Kenya internationally was not part of his original plan.
Since joining the Sugarmen, Dukisa played a pivotal role in their dominance, winning four Kenya Cup titles and cementing his legacy as one of the club’s most influential signings. His standout moment came in last year’s final, where he was named Most Valuable Player after a commanding performance.