Log leaders Kabras RFC looking to extend fine run in Tisap 7s

National 7s Circuit table toppers Kabras RFC will be looking to add another feather to their already decorated cabinet when they travel to Eldoret for Tisap 7s set for the Eldoret Sports Club over the weekend.

The Sugarmen have been in fine form this season, winning the main cup titles in Driftwood 7s and Prinsloo 7s. Their exemplary performance saw them top the log with 80 points, with KCB Rugby closely following with 78 points.

Their lowest performance so far came during Christie 7s, where they fell to Strathmore Leos 7-5 at the semifinal stage to end their 16-match winning streak.

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They managed to collect 17 crucial points, effectively securing their place atop the leaderboard with an impressive 80 points. This comes on the back of three final appearances and one bronze finish in the current season.

According to Kabras RFC coach Felix Ayange, the Sugarmen will be looking to bounce back from their Christie 7s performance and claim the inaugural Tisap 7s title.

“So far so good. The only tournament that we did not perform to our best was Christie 7s where we got a third-place finish which is our second best as per the situation that we had,” he said.

This time, Kabras RFC will be missing the services of the majority of their key players like Brian Tanga, Kevin Wekesa, William Muhanji, and speedster Lameck Ambetsa who received call-ups for the national team, Shujaa.

The players are currently in the camp preparing for the Rugby Africa 7s which also serves as the African Qualification Tournament for the Paris 2024 Olympics. Shujaa have been grouped in Pool B alongside Zambia, Namibia and Nigeria.

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Despite that, Ayange remained unfazed, noting that they anticipated the call-ups, and had been nurturing and training several other players who are capable of filling the void.

“Top cream players have been taken by the national team. It is a good thing, it gives room for more players to be seen. We saw this coming. We have players in place. You can never notice until you are faced with the task at hand. It is a good thing for us, we are happy as a club and we wish them the best,” Ayange offered.

The former Kenya 7s international also lauded his charges' dedication to training, noting that they were ready to showcase their exemplary skills come Tisap 7s.

“I don't expect the boys to be perfect in everything we have done. I however believe in their capability and the few combinations that we will have. We as coaches have put our faith in the boys that we will use,” Ayange further said.

With only two points ahead of KCB Rugby, the Ayange is anticipating an uphill task like no other. The Sugarmen have been placed in Pool C that sees them lock horns with Kenya Harlequins, Daystar Falcons, and Kisumu RFC.

“There is always pressure. Being on top of the log and looking at the margin between KCB Rugby and us, there is a lot of pressure. The boys know the task is quite demanding and they are ready for the challenge,” he concluded.

The log leaders will be looking to bag maximum points in Eldoret to further widen the gap between them and KCB Rugby, and eventually win the 2023 National 7s Circuit coveted title.