- Kabras Sugar boss Carlos Katywa has explained why veteran Ntabeni Dukisa was included in the squad for the highly anticipated Kenya Cup 2025/26 final.
- Dukisa has been named on the bench for the side set to face KCB Rugby.
- Kabras will be chasing a fifth consecutive title when they host KCB at the ASK Showground on Saturday, May 9, from 3pm EAT.
Kabras Sugar head coach Carlos Katywa has opened up on why veteran Ntabeni Dukisa is in the squad for the highly anticipated Kenya Cup 2025/26 final against rivals KCB Rugby on Saturday, May 9, at the ASK Showground in Kakamega.
Dukisa, who had hung up his boots in March to focus on his coaching career, returned to training with Kabras as they aim to continue their dominance in the Kenya 15s Rugby Premier League while chasing a fifth consecutive title.
The South Africa-born international’s comeback has stirred some murmurs, especially among the Bankers’ faithful, but Katywa has set the record straight, revealing that Ntabeni was always part of the plan.
READ MORE: KCB ready to end Kabras Sugar’s perfect run in the Kenya Cup 25/26 final
They decided to bring him back after the club lost Jone Kubu, who received a red card during their semifinal clash against KU Black Blad.
“It’s no longer a secret. We lost Kubu, but to be honest, Ntabeni was always in the cards,” Katywa told SportPesa Blog on Friday.
The South African tactician also revealed that Dukisa’s inclusion was influenced by the absence of Barry Young, who picked up an injury during the Hong Kong 10s tournament. According to Katywa, the club had already considered activating Dukisa as cover.
“I was watching quite a lot of game time being played by Barry Young, and I was very concerned about his welfare and safety because he’s been playing a lot. Once he went to Hong Kong and we got the news that he was injured, we looked at our options and Ndukisa was activated, but in a very light manner,” he added.
Katywa stated that the veteran fly-half could still play a key role on Saturday, although the team may not need to use him if the starting XV gets the job done.
“We know how we’re going to use him, but that’s tomorrow’s surprise. It’s good to have a player of his caliber because you can never write him off. There’s also a chance he might not play. If the guys do well, there’s no need to bring him on. But if things go south, then we may have to roll the dice,” he reiterated.
Katwa has already named his squad to face the Bankers, with Walter Okoth replacing Young and Roy Maruti set to start at scrum-half.
In the back three, top points scorer Eric Cantona shifts to the right wing while Jackson Siketa moves to fullback in a positional switch.
They have kept the midfield pairing of Bryson Adaka and Derrick Ashihundu. Up front, there are minimal changes, with Emmanuel Otieno coming in to start alongside Eugene Sifuna and Asuman Mugerwa in the front row.
Hillary Odhiambo and Shem Joseph have once again been named in the second row, while George Nyambua, returning Patrick Lumumba and Jeanson Misoga complete the starting XV.
Two Kabras players who are in the Shujaa setup and were also in camp that is Kevin Wekesa and Brian Tanga, have been named on the bench, joining Ndukisa.
Kabras Sugar full squad for the Kenya Cup final 2026 against KCB Rugby
- Starting XV: Emmanuel Otieno, Eugine Sifuna, Asuman Mugerwa, Hillary Odhiambo, Shem Joseph, George Nyambua, Patrick Lumumba, Jeanson Misoga, Roy Maruti, Walter Okoth, Eric Cantona, Bryceson Adaka, Derrick Ashiundu, Mathias Osimbo, Jackson Sketta
- Substitutions: 16. T. Akala, 17. E. Mwaura, 18. E. Oduor, 19. K. Wekesa, 20. C. Indeche, 21. B. Tanga, 22. A. Orege, 23. N. Dukisa