Kabras Sevens coach Felix Ayange believes a second-place finish in the National Sevens Circuit will fuel them in their defence of the Kenya Cup and Enterprise Cup titles when the new season starts in November.
The sugarmillers surrendered the title to KCB in the final leg of the circuit, Kabeberi Sevens, despite leading for the better of the six-tournament campaign.
"I believe the final leg cost us dearly. Losing in the main cup quarters to the Oilers really blew our chances. But on the positive side, we did well after finishing seventh a year ago. So the only way for next season is up,” said Ayange.
Ayange's charges lost 12-5 to rivals Menengai Oilers in the last eight to kiss goodbye their chances of winning the Sevens title for the second time in six years.
Ayange added: "The boys were disappointed but we can use that heartbreak for our 15s calendar, starting from November, to retain the titles we won last season and to build something special in this team.'
The Kakamega-based side had 104 points while finishing second to KCB (113), a remarkable improvement from the 68 points they collected while finishing seventh a year ago.
"It's been a massive improvement in our Sevens programme. We have seen the likes of William Muhanji, Lameck Ambetsa, Kevin Wekesa and Brian Tanga called to the national Sevens team (Shujaa) which tells us there is something positive we are doing at the club in nurturing world-class players," he said.
Ayange said they have already started pre-season for the forwards ahead of the new Kenya Cup campaign.
"Our forwards have already started the strength and conditioning programme and getting into shape. By the time we get to late October, we will play some friendly matches at the advice of the technical bench," noted Ayange.
Kabras will be chasing a hat-trick of Kenya Cup titles after winning the 2022 and 2023 crowns.
"It's something we are looking forward to. The core of the team has remained. We know the competition will be tough but the boys are more than ready," he concluded.
