Dukisa: Wekesa's absence not an issue for Kabras ahead of Embu 7s

Wekesa, a Kenyan international in the sevens team, will miss the fifth leg of the National Rugby Circuit as Kabras seek to close the three-point gap between them and leaders KCB RFC.

KCB have won two of the four legs so far, claiming the Prinsloo and Kabeberi Sevens titles, while Kabras have won the Dala and Driftwood Sevens.

“The way we have planned, I am sure we will make it without him. The good thing is that other teams are going through the same thing we are going through [losing players]”.

“If you look at the leaders KCB, they are going to lose four players, while for us we are losing just one player, Kelvin Wekesa. Though we will miss him because he has played a great role in putting us where we are second place, we are going to fight in his absence.”

“With two more rounds to go, we are taking one step at a time and will keep pushing until the last round.”

Dukisa says the club is targeting victory in Embu, while also improving on last season’s seventh-place finish in the overall National Rugby Circuit standings.

He has also lauded his charges for their impressive run, having won the Kabeberi and Driftwood Sevens.

“We have worked hard over the last two weeks to ensure that we win this leg. It is a tough tournament, but having won the Dala and Driftwood legs, I am hopeful we can maintain the momentum as we head into the last two legs,” added Dukisa.

Meanwhile, Wekesa says he has faith in the younger players to deliver in his absence.

The Kenyan international says the youngsters impressed during the Prinsloo and Dala legs before Kabras’ experienced players returned to help secure the Kabeberi and Driftwood titles.

“I think there is a good build-up with the younger boys, who did well in the Dala and Prinsloo legs. We went on to claim Kabeberi and Driftwood. Embu is anyone’s trophy. We are targeting to be above KCB. The point gap at the top is just three points.

“We started slowly, but we kept gaining momentum, and I just hope they can win Embu, go back and recharge, waiting for the last leg, Christie’s Sevens in Nairobi.”

Wekesa is among 14 Kenyan rugby sevens stars selected for the inaugural Ultimate Sevens Championship, further underlining Kenya’s growing influence on the global sevens stage.

The Paris 2024 Olympian and environmental advocate, alongside two other Kenyans, will represent Pacific Current Rugby Club.

The competition, which brings together some of the world’s top sevens players, including Olympians and world champions, will be held across four events in Madrid, Cardiff, Biarritz and London this September.