Du Plessis backs new players to make him smile at Kabras

Kabras Sugar coach Henly Du Plessis is hopeful the club’s new signings will adapt quickly to their style of play when the Kenya Cup league resumes this weekend.

Despite topping the 12-team standings with 40 points, the sugar millers left nothing to chance during the mid-season transfer window, roping in experienced Zimbabwean forward Royal Mwale while Walter Okoth, whose transfer is yet to be finalised, is expected to join them from Nakuru RFC.

Du Plessis said the injury to their dependable centre Nick Barasa and the need for depth is what has necessitated their activity during the mini transfer window.

“We wanted some depth and that’s why we decided to strengthen the squad as we head to the playoffs. We are playing safe because it can be difficult when you get injuries and you don’t have good replacements in those positions,” he said.

“Royal (Mwale) is experienced and we expect him to provide mentorship to some of the youngsters we have and he will also ensure there is competition in our front row,” said Du Plessis.

.

Keep Reading

•  vivo ushers in a new era of portrait photography with the slim and premium-designed V30
•  Kuppet, TSC agree on promotion of 30,000 teachers
•  vivo V30 5G launching in Kenya: Step into the future with style
•  Inside Ruto's Sh16 trillion last-ditch plan to save Vision 2030Premium
•  We have hit some good Vision 2030 milestones but missed key targetsPremium

“We brought him earlier even before the new year and he has been training with us for a while. Walter played well for Nakuru and he is someone who understands the Kenyan game. Hopefully, they will settle quickly and help the team.”

Capped 25 times by the Zimbabwe national 15s team, the 31-year-old Mwale has previously had stints in South Africa where he featured for Wits University, False Bay and Sharks.

He can play at the hooker and prop positions.

Mwale is expected to debut when Kabras travel to fifth-placed Nakuru RFC in a Kenya Cup round 10 fixture this Saturday, with Du Plessis anticipating a difficult match against the hosts.

“They (Nakuru) will try to disrupt us and stop our flow. We just need to be well prepared and be up to the required standards,” the South African said.

Meanwhile, struggling Kenya Harlequin have made five signings in a bid to turn around their dwindling fortunes.

The Ngong Road-based club, which is 10th on the standings and almost certain to miss out on the playoffs, has signed Kenya Sevens youngster Mark Wandeto from Homeboyz, Leroy Njenga from Kenyatta University’s Blak Blad and Allan Mukoya from Chuka University.

Edward Shitanda has returned to Quins after a short spell at Homeboyz while Haron Andati joins the club after completing his studies at Dagoretti High School.