Former Kenya 7s champion Felix Ayange recently took charge of Kabras RFC, the defending Kakamega 7s champions after Max Adaka, who guided the club to their first Cup victory since 2017, handing over the reins. The Menengai Oilers were defeated 19-7 by the Sugarmen in the 2022 Kakamega 7s final, which was held at the Bullring on July 17, 2022.The Dala 7s, scheduled for July 1 and 2, at the Jomo Kenyatta Stadium, will be his first assignment with the Sugarmen. After defeating Kenyatta University’s Blak Blad 19-7 in the championship match on October 15, 2017, Kabras RFC was named the 2017 National 7s Circuit Champion. The coveted overall 7s championship was last won by Kabras RFC at that time. The former Kenya Shujaa player says he is targetting better tidings with the success-hungry team. Kenya Lionesses to play international WXV 3 tournament in Dubai”Obviously, we need to get better than where we were.”The vivacious Coach informed Mozzart Sport, “We are also considering taking the overall series, and we will strive to get a triple for Kenya Cup, Enterprise Cup, and now 7s.”The Sugarmen appear to be in excellent shape going into the Circuit, at least based on their performance in the most recent Sugarbelt friendly hosted by Western Bulls on June 17. The side fielded the Kabras A and Kabras B teams, both of which trounced their rivals, including Western Bulls, MMUST, Sigalagala, and Kisumu.After two weekends of friendlies, Ayange declared, “We can say we are in a good position ahead of Dala.”He also mentioned that they would like to produce players who are skilled all around, both physically and mentally. Three Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) rugby players, who will be unveiled in due course, will also provide the team a significant boost.”We aim to make our guys better overall. Players that are strong in some areas but weak in others are not what we desire. They need to be disciplined as well. The 7s this year will feature three fresh faces from MMUST.” Derrick Ashiundu, a winger for Kenya Simbas, will return, the manager added, after being forced to withdraw from the 2022 Repechage competition in Dubai in November due to a fractured leg.The muscular, quick-footed winger was hurt while representing Kabras Sugar in the National Sevens circuit final leg in Kakamega.”Derrick is recovering from his injury. We’re hoping to see him. We will collaborate with the physiotherapist and monitor his progress,” the man added.He pledged to give the Kabras supporters “good, sugarcoated rugby!”Ayange is a certified level II coach by World Rugby. The former Shujaa playmaker will be attempting to bring the immense expertise he gathered under former Shujaa coach Mike Friday during his prime to the table. The tactician played club rugby in 2009 for elite teams Strathmore Leos and Kenya Harlequins in addition to representing Kenya U20.
