Kabras Sugar upbeat ahead of Driftwood Sevens

Menengai Oilers player battles with Kabras Sugar RFC during the finals of the Great Rift 10 Aside at Nakuru Athletics Club in Nakuru City on April 20,2025. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

Kenya Cup champions Kabras Sugar RFC will begin their chase for sevens glory this weekend when the 2025 National Sevens Circuit kicks off with the Driftwood Sevens at the Mombasa Sports Club.

The two-day tournament will be the opening leg of the six-round circuit, and Kabras are determined to make a winning start at the coastal city.

The Kakamega-based side has named a squad that blends youth and experience as they seek to lift their first Driftwood title in eight years.

Among the fresh faces is teenager Mike Lukusi, who impressed during last year’s Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) games and earned his first call-up after previously featuring for Vihiga Granites.

Another debutant is Samuel Omollo, listed as the 13th player after joining Kabras in January. Their inclusion underlines the club’s growing trust in young talent to complement seasoned campaigners.

The squad is boosted by the return of Kenya Sevens star Kevin Wekesa, whose presence is expected to bring pace and power to the attack. Wekesa missed most of last year’s circuit due to national team duty but is now available for the opening rounds.

Patrick Kluivert, who had an impressive debut last season before injury halted his progress, also returns, joining established names like Eric Cantona, Brian Mutua, Jackson Siketi, Clinton Litali, and Hillary Salano.

The international experience is further added by Lamec Ambetsa and William Mwanji, both capped with the Kenya Sevens team.

Kabras tactician Max Adaka believes this blend gives Kabras an edge in Mombasa.

“Our target is to win Driftwood and set the pace for the rest of the circuit,” Adaka said.

“The boys have worked hard in training, and we are confident. This season we want to fight for every title and finish at the top of the standings.”

Kabras headlines Group B, which also features Catholic Monks, Nakuru RFC, and Impala RFC. The group promises competitive fixtures, with Nakuru and Impala eager to bounce back from inconsistent 2024 campaigns.

Kabras, however, remain favourites to advance to the knockout stages, especially with their full-strength squad.

Elsewhere, defending circuit champions Kenya Harlequins will start their title defence in Group A against MMUST, KU Blak Blad, and Mwamba RFC. Quins, who lifted the Driftwood crown last year, are keen to prove their dominance was no fluke.

Group C features last year’s overall runners-up, KCB RFC, alongside Nondescripts RFC, Daystar Falcons, and hosts Mombasa Sports Club. KCB are expected to top the group but will face a stern challenge from Nondies, who have added several new signings in the off-season.

Group D is arguably the most unpredictable, with Menengai Oilers, Strathmore Leos, Stallions Rugby, and Kabarak University all capable of springing surprises. Oilers, known for their expansive play, are tipped to edge the pool but cannot afford complacency.