Kabras star Bunduki set to join South Africa's Griffons Rugby for high-performance program

Kabras David Bunduki with Brian Tanga (right) charge during Kenya Cup match against Mwamba at Impala club. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Kabras RFC’s prominent lock David Bunduki is set to enhance his rugby career in South Africa as he joins the Griffons Rugby Club, a Currie Cup side, for a six-month stint.

This move, part of a bilateral exchange program between Kabras RFC and the Griffons, marks a significant step in Bunduki's career, aimed at furthering his skills through specialized training.

Since his transition from MMUST to Kabras RFC, Bunduki has risen to become an indispensable player for the team, contributing to their two Kenya Cup victories.

His performance earned him a spot in the Kenya Simbas training squad and he was subsequently named a non-traveling reserve for the Victoria Cup last November.

The exchange program is designed to provide players like Bunduki with an opportunity to engage in high-performance training environments that focus on advanced rugby skills and tactics.

“Our Kenya Cup champion David Bunduki will join Griffons Rugby Club in South Africa as part of an exciting exchange program with Kabras Sugar Rugby Club! He will be in SA for six months of high-performance training and an upskilling program. All the best, Bunduki,” announced Kabras RFC through a heartfelt statement.

Bunduki’s journey to South Africa is not a first for Kabras players. Following post-Covid-19 adjustments, prop Hillary Mwanjilwa joined the Griffons in 2023, and lock Thomas Okeyo is currently a part of the Griffons squad.

Kabras David Bunduki with ball charge during Kenya Cup match against Mwamba at Impala club. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Additionally, other teammates from Kabras, such as James Olela and Jacktone Omondi, are participating in a similar high-performance program with Rhinos in South Africa.

The Jaswant Rai owned Kabras are not only national champions but are focusing on nurturing talent right from primary schools in Western Kenya up to the national level.

Reflecting on his new opportunity, Bunduki expressed his enthusiasm and optimism about the prospects of his stay in South Africa.

“It's an honour to train and improve my skills in South Africa. I believe I will be a better player and bring some of the things I learn back home,” Bunduki stated, highlighting his commitment to leveraging this experience for both personal growth and the betterment of his team upon return.

Bunduki's involvement with the Griffons Rugby Club will likely provide him with a robust platform to not only refine his skills but also to gain international exposure, which could be pivotal for his future on the global stage.

As the rugby community watches, many are hopeful that Bunduki’s tenure in South Africa will be a fruitful one, echoing the success of his predecessors and further strengthening the ties between Kenyan and South African rugby.