Africa-Press – Kenya. Former internationals Max Adaka and Felix Ayange have joined the Kabras coaching staff ahead of the 2022/2023 Kenya Cup season.
Adaka will be the forwards and defence coach, Ayange will serve as a skills coach while Geoffrey Messo the team manager.
Adaka and Ayange coached the Kabras Sevens team during the national circuit, steering them to the Kakamega Sevens win in July and sixth place overall finish with 68 points. Ayange is a certified World Rugby Level 2 coach in sevens.
Speaking yesterday, Kabras RFC chairman Edward Esilaba said preparations for the new season have already started and they are keen to defend the Kenya and Enterprise Cup titles won last season.
“We have already done four weeks of pre-season and we know it will be a tough season. Everyone will want to beat us and we are not taking anything for granted. We must stay ahead of the pack,” added Esilaba.
Esilaba said the appointment of the Adaka is vital, especially after conceding so many points last season in the league.
“Yes we won the league and the Cup but for the first time in five years, we conceded so many tries. We want to toughen up our defence and make it difficult for the opponents to score. I believe Adaka will help us in that regard,” he added.
Esilaba said they were looking at strengthening the squad for what will be a gruelling season.
“We have promoted some young players from the academy and going forward, we will make some additions to bolster the squad.”
Esilaba said he expects a competitive Kenya Cup League with five teams in contention for the crown.
“I expect it to be much closer than last year. I believe we will see teams like Homeboyz and Strathmore Leos push the established order including Kabras, KCB and Menengai Oilers close. These teams have made a couple of signings and are going to be tough to beat,” noted Esilaba.
The spine of the team that did duty last season has remained intact with the likes of Ephraim Oduor, Eugene Sifuna, Brian Juma, and skipper Dan Sikuta in the forwards and Brian Tanga and Jone Kubu in the backs.
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