Kabra Sevens' coach Felix Ayange believes his young charges will have to adapt quickly to the rigours of the game if they have to make an impact in the national circuit that kicks off this weekend at the RFUEA ground.
The sugar millers are without key personnel for the opening two legs of the circuit and the tactician has thrown the gauntlet to his charges to be competitive in the opening Christie Sevens tournament.
“It's going to be quite interesting. We don't have our senior players but I believe with this young core group of players, we can adapt quickly and be in contention by the time the senior players return for the third leg," said Ayange
The Kakamega-based club are without Kelvin Wekesa, Brian Tanga and Lamech Ambetsa who are with the Shujaa squad in Paris for the Olympics.
Derrick Ashiundu, Alfred Orege, Walter Okoth, and Barry Robinson are with Kenya Simbas in Uganda for the Africa Cup. Matthew Osimbo is recovering from an Achilles injury sustained during the Kenya Cup season.
Ayange will rely on the likes of Brian Mutua, Griffins Chao, Patrick Lumumba and William Mwanji among others to guide the young side in the Christie and KRU Sevens slated for Kakamega on August 3-4.]
“We have a few players who played at the top level last season and I believe they will be able to guide the youngsters who we have picked from schools like Chavakali, Kakamega and Musingu.
Last season, Ayange's charges finished second overall with 104 points after a promising start to the campaign, where they bagged the Driftwood and Prinsloo Sevens.
They were runners-up in the Dala Sevens before a late collapse in the Tisap and Kabeberi saw them miss out on the title to KCB by nine points.
"It was a learning curve for us. We started the circuit very well but injuries and poor decision-making in the key matches cost us the boys. They have learnt their lessons and are well prepared for this one."
Kabras are in Pool B, where they face Nakuru RFC, Kisumu RFC and Catholic Monks for the Christie Sevens. Defending champions KCB headline Pool 'A' and will be up against Nondescripts, Homeboyz and Impala RFC.
Pool 'C' will feature Strathmore Leos, Kenya Harlequin, Blak Blad and Daystar Falcons. Menengai Oilers are the frontrunners in Pool D and will take on Mwamba, Masinde Muliro and University of Eldoret (UOE).