Africa-Press – Kenya. Kabras utility back Jone Kubu has been ruled out for six weeks after undergoing arthroscopic surgery as he looks to finally shake off a recurring knee injury.
The Kenya Simbas and Shujaa star has battled the problem since December 2023, when he was stretchered off during Kabras Sugar’s 72–10 Kenya Cup win over Kisumu.
The injury sidelined him for an entire year as he underwent treatment and rehabilitation. Kubu eventually returned late last season, featuring for Shujaa in the World Sevens Series and playing a role in the Simbas’ Rugby World Cup qualifying campaign in Uganda.
However, the pain persisted—an indication that he had not fully recovered. On Monday, Kubu confirmed through his X account that he had undergone arthroscopy and expressed gratitude to those who have supported him.
“A lot to process right now, but all in all, the arthroscopy went well, and the road to recovery begins. Thank you very much, sir, for the care, thank you very much, family, for the never-ending love and prayers,” he wrote.
Kubu will miss this weekend’s Enterprise Cup fixture against Impala, as well as January’s Kenya Cup matches against Kisumu, Strathmore Leos, Nakuru RFC and Quins.
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure in which a small camera is inserted into the joint to diagnose or repair damage. It is commonly used to treat cartilage tears, ligament injuries and joint inflammation, and typically results in reduced pain and quicker recovery compared to open surgery.
Kabras head coach Carlos Katywa expects the Fijian-born playmaker to return between mid-February and March.
“We will give him time to recover, but we want him fully healed and ready once we enter the Kenya Cup playoffs. We have a big squad to choose from, especially in his position,” Katywa said.
Kubu has been a vital figure for the Kakamega-based side since joining in 2015, winning the Kenya Cup five times, the Enterprise Cup four times and the National Sevens Circuit in 2017, among other honours.
Kabras currently top the Kenya Cup standings with 15 points and an impressive +242 points difference, followed by last season’s losing finalists Menengai Oilers, with KCB in third.
