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Kenya Cup defending champions Kabras Sugar Sevens have appointed former Kenya Sevens utility Felix Ayange ahead of the fast-approaching local sevens circuit which is set to kick off on July 1, 2023.

Kabras management said Ayange has been tasked with winning the National Sevens Circuit which starts in a fortnight in Kisumu.

Ayange – a World Rugby level II accredited coach – has taken over from Max Adaka who guided the sugar millers to win the Kakamega Sevens last season.

He will be assisted by former Edwin Achayo with head coach Carlos Katywa, providing oversight and guidance in the course of the six-leg series.

Ayange, who was appointed to the role last week, said he is relishing the challenge of leading the Kakamega-based side to their second national Sevens title.

The former Shujaa utility stated that his charges are in good shape and ready to fight it out for the coveted title once the circuit commences.

“We kicked off our training late after the Kenya Cup and Enterprise Cup season, and I am happy the boys have picked up training very well for the past six weeks. They are in good shape for the circuit,” he said.
The local rugby heavyweights have been preparing for the series with several friendly games against familiar foes with their target being crowned the sevens circuit champions.

In preparing for the series, Kabras played several friendly matches against teams in the sugar belt including Western Bulls, Kisumu RFC, and Masinde Muliro University.

Kabras will be boasting of big names like Kenya Sevens stars Brian Tanga, Kevin Wekesa and Fijian-born Jone Kubu as well as emerging talents like Lameck Ambetsa, Matthew Osimbo, and Patrick Lumumba.

The 2023 National 7s Circuit 2023 is set to kick off with the Dala 7s at the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Mamboleo, Kisumu City on July 1-2.

Dala 7s will now replace the Tisap 7s which was originally scheduled for June 24 in Eldoret as the opening tournament of the 2023 campaign.

Tisap which has since replaced Kakamega 7s will now take place on September 2-3 at the Eldoret Sports Club with the National 7s returning to Eldoret for the first time since the 2018 Sepetuka 7s.

Following the Dala 7s, the circuit will head to the coastal city of Mombasa for the Driftwood 7s at the Mombasa Sports Club on July 8-9.

The circuit will take a break as the circuit makes way for the World Rugby U20 Trophy, happening in Nairobi from July 15 to July 30.