Kabras unveil South African Du Plessis as new head coach

Kenya Cup side Kabras Sugar have unveiled South African Henley Du Plessis as their new head coach ahead of the 2018/2019 Kenya Cup season that kicks off in November.

Former Kenya Simba tactician Jerome Paarwater was named the rugby technical director with Richard Ochieng retaining his position as Strength and Conditioning Coach while David Ngigu will be the team manager.

Du Plessis, who until his recent appointment was Currie Cup side Boland Cavaliers forwards coach, was unveiled to the Public in Nairobi by new Kabras Sugar chairman Philip Jalang’o.

The World Rugby Level III coach and World Rugby coaching educator has been handed a three-year contract in which he will be tasked to prepare the team for the upcoming season with the main goal being that of winning the Kenya Cup.

Du Plessis was a seasoned flanker at Boland Kavaliers before calling it a day due to serious neck and knee injuries picked in 2008 after 135 matches for his side.

He was the captain of Boland Cavaliers, and is remembered for his speed in the breakdowns, ferocious tackles and an excellent cover defender who got a chance to play for South African ‘A’ team in 2004.

The South African takes over the reins left by Charles Cardovillis who was sacked under unclear circumstances  after leading the Kakamega based side to a Kenya Cup final in 2018.

Cardovillis also served for just a season for the Kakamega based side and guided them to a National 7s Series triumph.

Kabras who lastl won the Kenya Cup in 2016 but lost the 2017 and 2018 finals to rivals KCB will be rejuvenated with the new appointments as they seek to add their second silverware to their desiccated cabinet.

However Du Plessis will not lead the team in the ongoing local Sevens circuit and will have to wait until their first Kenya Cup game at home against Mean Machine on Saturday November 17.

He is also expected to be in charge of high-level performance centre which will be set up in Kakamega by Kabras rugby club and will be advised by Paarwater.