Kabras Sugar RFC emerged triumphant at the 2026 Dala 7s, securing a decisive 19-5 victory over Menengai OilersTeam·Menengai Oilers in a highly anticipated final held at the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Mamboleo, KisumuVenue·Kisumu. This win not only marked Kabras Sugar's inaugural title of the 2026 National Sevens Circuit but also saw them reclaim the Dala 7s championship, a title they last held in 2024.
The final, often referred to as the "Rai Derby" due to the shared sponsorship, lived up to its billing as a contest between two of Kenya's premier rugby sevens teams. Menengai OilersTeam·Menengai Oilers initiated the scoring just before halftime, with John OkothPlayer·John Okoth crossing the try line to establish a 5-0 lead, though the subsequent conversion was missed.
However, the second half witnessed a significant shift in momentum. Kabras Sugar responded with renewed intensity, as Rayvone Ambale scored an equalizing try. The turning point arrived when Menengai OilersTeam·Menengai Oilers' Calvin Mulewa was sent to the sin bin, providing Kabras Sugar a crucial numerical advantage. They capitalized swiftly, with Derrick AshihunduPlayer·Derrick Ashihundu scoring a try, which Ambale converted, propelling Kabras Sugar into a 12-5 lead. Ronald Wangila then sealed the victory for Kabras Sugar with their third try, cementing the 19-5 final score.
Kabras Sugar captain Griffin Chao expressed his satisfaction following the hard-fought win. "We had to work hard and make sure we won this leg. We did it and we are happy," Chao stated, adding that the victory served as a perfect response to their disappointment in the Prinsloo 7s final a week prior, where they finished as runners-up to KCB RugbyTeam·KCB Rugby.
Kabras Sugar RFC head coach Carlos KatywaCoach·Carlos Katywa conveyed his pride in his youthful squad's performance. "I am overwhelmed and excited. Last season we didn't win any SportPesa National Sevens Circuit title, but today we've won and we've done it with youngsters... I am very proud of my boys," Katywa remarked, highlighting the significant contribution of players who had recently transitioned from high school.
Both Kabras Sugar and Menengai OilersTeam·Menengai Oilers have demonstrated formidable form throughout the 2025/26 Kenya CupCompetition·Kenya Cup season, underscoring the intensity of their rivalry. After eight rounds, both teams remained unbeaten, tied on 40 points, with Kabras Sugar leading the standings on points difference. Kabras Sugar ultimately concluded the Kenya CupCompetition·Kenya Cup regular season as the top side with 52 points from 11 matches, having defeated Menengai OilersTeam·Menengai Oilers 27-13 in their final regular-season encounter, while Menengai OilersTeam·Menengai Oilers secured third place with 45 points.
The Dala 7s represented the second leg of the 2026 National Sevens Circuit. Kabras Sugar's triumph positions them strongly in contention for the overall circuit title. Notably, KCB RugbyTeam·KCB Rugby, winners of the Prinsloo 7s, experienced a surprising quarterfinal exit at the Dala 7s, ensuring a new champion will be crowned this season. The circuit is scheduled to continue with the Kabeberi 7s in NairobiVenue·Nairobi on August 15-16, followed by the Driftwood Sevens in Mombasa, promising further compelling rugby action.
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