Katywa lauds Kabras youngsters after eye-catching showings

Kabras Sugar head coach Carlos Katywa has praised the club’s emerging talent after a run of outstanding performances that have kept the Sugarmen dominant despite missing several senior players.

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Kabras arguably boast one of the deepest squads in Kenyan rugby, and the early stages of their Kenya Cup campaign have put that depth to the test.

With key figures, including captain George Nyambua and veteran playmaker Ntabeni Dukisa, currently on sabbatical, the technical bench has relied heavily on its young guns.

One of the standout performers is Rayvon Ambale, who made a dream senior debut against Impala, scoring four spectacular tries.

His stellar entrance was the continuation of an impressive run of form on the National 7s Circuit, where he earned his first national team call-up during the Safari 7s, helping the Morans claim third place.

He later starred at the Zambezi Challenge 7s, where he was crowned Most Valuable Player.

Given his momentum, his elevation to the Kabras senior squad was inevitable, and he wasted no time justifying the decision.

“We all know the talent we have in Rayvon. He is an exceptional youngster. He’s got a good mind and IQ for the game. At the moment, I don’t think there is anyone who stands head-to-head in understanding and seeing the game like this boy,” Katywa said.

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Katywa also lavished praise on Jackson Siketi, who scored with his very first touch after coming off the bench.

Siketi starred for Koyonzo High School, guiding the Stormers to their maiden FEASSSA Rugby 7s title in 2023, making them the first Kenyan school to win the regional crown.

He was named Most Valuable Player at both the national and East African levels.

His exploits earned him selection to the Kenya U20 side, Chipu, where he played a pivotal role in their 2024 Barthes Cup triumph over Zimbabwe, sealing qualification for the World Rugby U20 Trophy in Scotland.

Fresh from the global stage, Siketi was drafted into Kabras’ senior squad for the 2024 National 7s Circuit.

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He immediately made his mark, scoring three vital tries that helped Kabras clinch their first-ever Dala 7s title and powering them to a second-place finish in theoverall circuit. He has also featured in both the 2024 and 2025 editions of the Safari 7s.

“Look at Jackson Siketi, he had a brilliant game. He came in and his first touch was a try, meaning these youngsters are hungry and they see space,” he offered.

Another rising star, Roy Maruti, has quickly grown into an important figure for Kabras.

The dynamic scrum-half made his senior debut at the start of the 2024/25 season and has since cemented his place in the squad.

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Maruti was instrumental during the National 7s Circuit, finishing as Kabras’ joint top try scorer at the Christie 7s alongside Griffin Chao.

His rapid rise began when he debuted for Kabras II in January 2023, just weeks after completing high school. He has also featured for Chipu, helping the team finish second at the Barthes Cup.

“Roy is growing into that line. His speed off the base is good; his understanding is getting there. One thing he needs to understand is that as a number 9, you must have vision where you can see either side,” the tactician offered.

The coach also highlighted the healthy competition at fly-half between experienced campaigner Barry Robinson and fast-rising youngster Michael Lukusi.

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A product of Butula Boys, Lukusi quickly transitioned to Kabras, earning a call-up to the Kenya 7s provisional squad for the Safari 7s.

He made his senior 7s debut for Kabras at the Driftwood 7s in July 2025 and went on to score multiple tries during the National 7s Circuit, contributing significantly to the team’s dominance.

“Barry is not a youngster, but he is growing very fond of his role at number 10 and has been pushing Michael Lukusi. With time, the youngster will get there,” Katywa said.

Katywa further credited the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) and the national sevens setup for allowing players to temporarily leave camp and feature for their clubs during league action, an arrangement he believes has boosted Kabras’ squad depth and continuity.