Kabras halfback Barry Robinson during a Kenya Cup semifinal against Nondies in March/HANDOUTKabras head coach Carlos Katywa will give young players a chance as the Sugar Millers aim to win a fifth consecutive Kenya Cup crown when the league kicks off on Saturday.
The South African tactician attributed the move to several factors, including a delayed pre-season due to players representing the Kenya Simbas during Rugby World Cup qualifiers and participation in the national sevens circuit.
“So far, we have done just six weeks of pre-season, unlike other clubs who have done 12. To mitigate this, we will give some of the younger players opportunities to play for the first team,” observed Katywa.
“When I started coaching this team four years ago, we had a four-year plan to develop players like Barry Robinson and Derrick Ashiundu into top players. That has worked, so now we go into a new cycle of unearthing talent — players who can fit into the Kabras philosophy and style of play.”
Katywa said the younger players will bring energy and a competitive mindset that would challenge the senior squad.
“Last season, I felt there were times we were complacent in our play against certain teams. With the integration of young players into the squad, it will bring a competitive spirit, and many of the young players have put their hands up in training,” he said.
He revealed plans to tweak Kabras’ style of play to stay ahead of the chasing pack.
“We are looking at having our players move with more speed, winning the aerial battle, and dominating the gainline. If we can perfect that, we will be contenders.”
Katywa highlighted the team’s traditional strength in set pieces, including the scrum and lineout.
“Right now we have the heaviest pack in the country, but I believe we can do better in our execution and strategy,” he said.
On the league campaign, Katywa emphasised a measured approach.
“We will take one game at a time. We open with a derby against Masinde Muliro, followed by matches against newly promoted Daystar Falcons and then Impala. We don’t want to run ahead of ourselves; we will pick up momentum from there heading into the new year.”
