Kabras RFC, the reigning champions of the Christie 7s, are setting their sights on clinching the Dala 7s title this weekend in Kisumu. This determination comes on the heels of a less-than-ideal performance in their home leg at the Ingo 7s, where they managed a third-place finish. The team is poised to correct the mistakes that hindered their victory and is buoyed by the return of key players Brian Tanga and Derrick Ashihundu.
Aiming for Redemption
Ashihundu, last season’s top try scorer in the National Sevens circuit, is eager to return to the pitch and lead his team to success. Reflecting on the team’s recent performance, Ashihundu commented, “We are excited to get back to the squad with the boys after being away for a while. The boys started well at Christie 7s and fell short at home due to some mistakes, and I think Brian Tanga and I being back to the team can help rectify the mistakes that cost the team at home. Hopefully, we win the Dala 7s. That’s our target for this weekend.”
The team’s return to the sevens circuit marks a crucial moment in their campaign, as they seek to bring their formidable 15s form into the shorter version of the game. This season has seen a rise in the level of competition, with teams like MMUST RFC and the Catholic Monks showcasing impressive performances, making the circuit more unpredictable and competitive.
The Competitive Landscape
Ashihundu highlighted the competitive nature of the circuit, noting, “It’s a healthy competition because looking at a team like the Catholic Monks, it’s not a team that you take lightly. It’s among the top teams, and I think that’s healthy competition. It helps across the circuit because you can’t easily predict who will win; you must work hard because if you snooze, you lose.”
This sentiment is echoed across the rugby community, as the rise of underdog teams has injected a new level of excitement into the game. The unpredictability of the outcomes has forced top-tier teams like Kabras to consistently up their game, ensuring that they do not underestimate any opponent.
The Road Ahead
Kabras is placed in Pool C, where they face off against their neighbors and nemesis MMUST RFC, alongside Stallions and hosts Kisumu RFC. The team’s strategy will involve leveraging the experience and skills of returning players like Tanga and Ashihundu, who are expected to provide the leadership and firepower needed to navigate through the pool stage and beyond.
The team’s focus will be on minimizing errors and capitalizing on scoring opportunities. The return of Tanga and Ashihundu is a significant boost for Kabras, as their expertise in sevens rugby will be crucial in executing quick plays and maintaining a strong defense against their opponents.
Looking Forward
As the Kenya Cup defending champions, Kabras RFC has a legacy to uphold. Their quest to replicate their 15s success in the sevens circuit is a testament to their versatility and determination. Winning the Dala 7s title would not only redeem their Ingo 7s stumble but also position them strongly in the overall standings.
The anticipation for the Dala 7s is palpable, with fans and players alike eager to see how the tournament unfolds. Kabras RFC’s journey in this season’s sevens circuit is a compelling narrative of resilience, strategy, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. As the tournament kicks off, all eyes will be on Kabras to see if they can rise to the occasion and claim the title that narrowly eluded them at their home ground.