KCB blame key absences as Kabras close gap in 7s Circuit race

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KCB blame key absences as Kabras close gap in 7s Circuit race

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KCB went into the tournament without top scorer Floyd Wabwire, who was named in the star-studded RugbyTown USA squad for the 2026 RugbyTown 7s tournament in Glendale, Colorado, over the weekend.

The bankers also missed influential forward Elvis Olukusi, who recently captained KCB to victory at the 2026 Prinsloo Sevens, where he was named Player of the Final. Olukusi travelled to France to represent the Monaco Rugby Sevens squad in the In Extenso Supersevens.

Nygel Amaitsa and Bob Muhati were also unavailable for the Driftwood 7s, but Omondi expects all four players to return for the next circuit leg in Embu.

“From the way we played from the start of Driftwood, there was something that didn't click for us. We were missing a few of our guys. Our top scorer Floyd was out, and we were missing Olukusi, one of our big forwards. But we were able to fight through the tournament and reach the final. Hopefully, by the time we go to Embu, most of them will be back in the squad and we will have a better side for the tournament,” said Amonde.

Despite losing the final 15-5 to Kabras Sugar, KCB remain at the top of the SportPesa 7s Circuit standings with 76 points, just three ahead of Kabras on 73. Menengai Oilers are third with 58 points, while Daystar Falcons and Kenya Harlequin are tied on 52 points.

Amonde admits Kabras proved too strong in the final but says KCB are ready to fight back in Embu.

“Kabras is a physical side and they outplayed us, finally carrying the day. But the next stop, we will be ready to compete again,” added Amonde.

Kabras Sugar, meanwhile, are targeting the top spot after their Driftwood triumph. The champions say they will first focus on recovery before beginning preparations for Embu 7s.

Kabras player Kevin Wekesa believes the three-point gap at the top makes the title race wide open.

“Now we are focusing on maximum recovery for Embu 7s. Embu is everyone’s trophy to take, and it is only three points between us and KCB, so anyone can take it. For us, the main focus is recovery and then coming back stronger for Embu. We just want to be above KCB so that we can have more points heading into the final tournament of the series.”

The Circuit now moves to Embu, where the next leg will be held on September 5 and 6 at Moi Stadium, with Kabras looking to complete their push for the circuit leadership and KCB determined to extend their lead.

Reporting originally appeared via Citizen Digital. Read the full source for additional context.