South African magic propel Kabras to new heights

Kabras Sugar RFC are unbeaten after eight rounds of Kenya Cup matches. In fact the Kakamega based side has been the inform team so far destroying opponents with ease and panache.

From a rock solid defence, to a ruthless attack, Kabras have it all.  They have attained 360 points, conceded 66 to have a goal difference of 294 points, guiding them atop the log, leaving the chasing pack with a lot of work to do.

Kabras with 40 points have bagged a bonus in each of their last eight matches which no other team has achieved.

This Saturday they spoil for yet another eternal fight at the RFUEA ground – the spiritual home of Kenyan rugby – against Kenya Harlequins, coached by their former head coach Charles Cardovillis, a tough opposition for that matter!

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This contest is a must watch for every rugby enthusiast.

But what makes Kabras tick? In the team are three South Africans – loose forward Johanes Claude, utility back Logan Basson and centre Enzo Foutie– who have all been  instrumental to their stormy run.

Foutie sustained a knee injury, but his absence hasn’t been felt as another South African, Mario Wilson from Tygerberg RFC, ably stepped up .

So enterprising have the South Africans been to the team with some arguing they have formed the base of Kabras success.

Winger Wilson has particularly been in the limelight for the Henley Du Plessis charges, his highlight match being against Menengai Oilers in a round six Kenya Cup clash where he brilliantly scored a hat trick helping his team to a 41-5 win, to bag the man of the match award.

His side-steps and runs in the flanks has helped him score tries in every match he has been involved in, making him one of Kabras regulars, a key plank in the team no doubt.

Playing all the Kabras Sugar matches this season, fly-half Logan Basson has also been strongly involved,  and scoring multiple tries with his accurate passes moreso while involved in a one- two play offensively.

His perfect sensational kicks helped his team end Impala Saracens unbeaten run scoring three penalties in their 42-10 win against Frank Ndong’s charges.

On the other hand, the presence of loose forward Johannes Claude has helped in completing a lethal South African bond consisting of Mario and Logan, with the trio finding it easy to all register their names on the scrore-sheet whenever they play together.

They have been so meticulous. Articulate. Precise. Many now attribute Kabras fairy-tale run to the South African magic.

Claude’s strong approach to game play has helped Kabras win possession especially during the scrums.

And with their team roaring from all quarters, Wilson has backed their tactician’s call to have the gong head to Kakamega, the team’s base, at the end of the season.

 “Our target is to bring Kabras back to its glory days. After being in the finals for the last two seasons, this year we want to help our team bring the Kenya Cup back to Kakamega, ” Charged Wilson.

Speaking ahead of their round nine match set for this Saturday at the RFEUA ground against Kenya Harlequins, ex-Western Province fly-half Basson believes they’ll not only win the weekend encounter, tipped to be a tough duel, but also bag the ultimate prize at the end of it all.

“It will be a difficult game against Quins having in mind they’ll be coming for us, so we just need to keep our composure, play as a team and follow our coaches’ instructions and structures to get the win.

“We’re enjoying playing rugby, and it’s also a nice experience playing in Kenya,” he added.

His sentiments were echoed by Claude Johannes.

“The guys here gave us a warm welcome, settling in was a bit difficult but the guys made us feel at home and honestly in Kakamega its brotherhood.”

Kenya Cup 2019 table Standings

1. Kabras Sugar              40
2. KCB                              35
3. Kenya Harlequins     31
4. Nondiescripts            23
5. Mwamba                    22
6. Homeboyz                 21
7. Impala Saracens      20
8. Top Fry Nakuru       16
9. Menengai Oilers      13
10. Blaq Blad                  11
11. Strathmore Leos     10
12. Mean Machine          5