Kabras Sugar RFC head coach Carlos Katywa struggled to contain his emotions after watching his youthful side produce a stunning second-half comeback to defeat Menengai Oilers 19-5 and lift the 2026 Dala 7s title at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Kisumu.
The victory marked Kabras’ second Dala 7s crown and their first title of the 2026 SportPesa National Sevens Circuit after falling short in the opening leg at the Prinsloo 7s, where they were beaten by fierce rivals KCB Rugby in the final.
It also ended a difficult run that saw the Sugarmen finish last season without claiming a single National Sevens Circuit title.
READ MORE:Kabras Sugar rally past Oilers to reclaim Dala 7s title
Speaking to Sportpesa moments after the final whistle, an emotional Katywa admitted he was overwhelmed by what his players had achieved, especially considering the squad is largely made up of young players still finding their feet at the senior level.
“I am overwhelmed and excited. Last season we didn’t win any SportPesa National Sevens Circuit title, but today we’ve won and we’ve done it with youngsters. We’ve done it in Dala, a place we call home. I am over the moon. I am very proud of my boys. I don’t have the words. I am happy and so excited. It’s not something of me to fail to get the right words, but let me tell you I’m proud of my boys,” said Katywa.
The coach reserved special praise for the young talents who have stepped into the senior setup and delivered under pressure.
“The best part is this: they are youngsters who just came from high school a year ago, two years ago, and look at them. They are on top of the world. Even if it’s one weekend, it doesn’t matter for me. What matters is the win and the win is helping the boys gain confidence. I am proud. I am happy.”
Kabras’ triumph was built on resilience after they found themselves trailing at halftime.
In a repeat of the 2024 Dala 7s final, both sides started with plenty of intensity, but it was Menengai Oilers who landed the first blow.
After enjoying sustained possession and moving the ball fluently through several phases, Daniel Kipchirchir delivered a perfectly timed offload that released John Okoth down the left wing for the opening try. The conversion attempt drifted wide, leaving the Oilers with a 5-0 advantage at the break.
The Sugarmen returned from the interval looking like a completely different side. They increased the tempo at the breakdown, won the collision battle and began stretching the Oilers’ defensive line with quick recycling and patient phase play.
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Their breakthrough came when Jackson Sketa produced a superb offload to send Rayvon Ambale through a gap. The speedster accelerated away from the defence before diving over to level the scores, although Kabras were unable to add the extras.
The turning point arrived moments later when Menengai Oilers were reduced to six players after Calvin Mulewa was sent to te bin for a high tackle on Ambale.
Kabras immediately punished the numerical advantage. Maintaining quick ball and showing excellent continuity, they worked the Oilers defence from touchline to touchline before Marvin Ashihundu crashed over for their second try. Ambale made no mistake with the conversion as Kabras took a 12-5 lead.
Despite regaining their seventh player, the Oilers struggled to break through Kabras’ disciplined defensive wall. The Sugarmen continued to dominate territory, forcing handling errors and winning crucial turnovers whenever the Oilers threatened.
With the clock winding down, Kabras sealed the victory in emphatic fashion. Following another sustained period of pressure, Frederick Wangila powered over for the final try before the conversion sailed between the uprights to complete a commanding 19-5 comeback victory.
While the result earned Kabras maximum points in Kisumu, it also underlined the exciting future the club is building. Katywa’s decision to place his trust in a new generation of players has already begun paying dividends, with the young squad delivering a statement performance against one of the toughest teams on the circuit.
Before leaving the pitch, the Kabras tactician also acknowledged the role played by the club’s supporters throughout the weekend.
“To the Kabras fans, thank you. Thank you so much.”
With the Dala 7s trophy now safely in their cabinet, Kabras Sugar have thrown themselves firmly into the race for the 2026 SportPesa National Sevens Circuit title and sent a clear message that their youthful squad is ready to challenge for top honours throughout the season.