Kabras Sugar captain Derrick Ashihundu believes the Western Kenya giants have what it takes to win the Kabeberi 7s as they seek to build on their impressive start to the 2026 SportPesa National 7s Circuit.
Speaking during the Kabeberi 7s captains’ shoot, Ashihundu said the team has learned valuable lessons from the opening two legs and is well prepared for the third round of the circuit.
Kabras finished runners-up at the Prinsloo 7s before going one better at the Dala 7s, where they lifted the title. Their strong run in the opening rounds has propelled them to the top of the SportPesa National 7s circuit standings, giving the Sugar Millers added confidence heading into Kabeberi.
“We have prepared well according to the plan. Looking at the two tournaments we have played, we have learned a few lessons and we have prepared well,” said Ashihundu.
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The Kabras skipper insists the team is not dwelling on their triumph in Kisumu and is instead focused on taking the Kabeberi 7s one match at a time.
“Dala is behind us now. We are working on one tournament at a time, so we have specifically prepared for Kabeberi 7s. Our plan is to win Kabeberi, but to do so, we have to win every game one at a time, reach the final and then win Kabeberi. That is our plan for this tournament,” he added.
Kabras have been drawn in Pool D, where they begin their campaign against MMUST at 10:20am. They will then face Nakuru RFC at 1:40pm before completing their pool-stage fixtures against KCB Rugby at 5:00pm.
The Sugar Millers have also made several changes to their squad for the third round, with assistant coach Ntabeni Dukisa taking charge of the side in the absence of head coach Carlos Katywa.
Dukisa has overseen preparations following Katywa’s involvement with the Kenya Under-20 team, which recently won the Rugby Africa U20 Barthes Trophy.
Kabras have further strengthened their squad with the return of experienced Kenya internationals Brian Tanga, Jone Kubu and Kevin Wekesa, who are set to make their first Sportpesa National 7s circuit appearances of the season.
Brian Mutua also returns after missing the previous rounds, while Michael Lukusi earns his place in the squad following an outstanding showing with Chipu. Lukusi was named Player of the Final as Kenya Under-20 reclaimed the Barthes U20 Trophy in Uganda.
His inclusion comes as Rayvon Olindi and Jackson Siketi miss out on selection for the third leg, while James Olela is set to make his first 7s appearance of the season.
The squad retains several players who featured prominently in the opening two rounds, including Adrian Khwesa, Mathias Osimbo, Roy Maruti, Fredrick Wangila, Patrick Lumumba and Ashihundu.
Dukisa will be assisted by Thomas Simiyu, with Wilson Omondi serving as team manager. Richard Ochieng will handle strength and conditioning, while Philemon Odidi and Nicolas Musembi form part of the medical team.
With a blend of experienced internationals and emerging talent, Kabras will be looking to maintain their momentum at Kabeberi and strengthen their position at the top of the circuit standings.
For Ashihundu, however, the approach remains simple: take care of each pool match, progress to the knockout stages and finish the job when it matters most.
Kabras Sugar 7s Squad for 2026 Kabeberi 7s
Derrick Ashihundu, Patrick Lumumba, Fredrick Wangila, Roy Maruti, Michael Lukusi, Jone Kubu, Brian Tanga, Eric Cantona, Mathias Osimbo, Adrian Khwesa, James Olela, Kevin Wekesa and Brian Mutua.
Management
Head Coach: Ntabeni Dukisa
Assistant Coach: Thomas Simiyu
Team Manager: Wilson Omondi
Strength & Conditioning: Richard Ochieng
Physios: Philemon Odidi, Nicolas Musembi
[…] in this fourth leg of the SportPesa 7s after a poor outing in the third leg last weekend at the Kabeberi 7s, where they finished […]