A past Kenya Cup action. [Photo/KRU]

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National Sevens Series champions Kabras Sugar has made a huge statement of intent by signing 11 new players ahead of the 2017/18 Kenya Cup season in a bid to reclaim the title they won in 2016.

The sugar millers, beaten in this year’s league final by KCB, are determined to add more silverware to their trophy cabinet and head coach Charles Cardovillis has opted for experience, raiding Kenya Cup rivals for top talent in the process.

Homeboyz RFC, who gave Kabras a run for their money in the Sevens Series, have seen Kenyan international Bramwell Mayaka and forward Andre Chogo switch camp to Kakamega while Cardovillis’ former side Kenya Harlequins has also been raided with Kevin Keegan, Alfred Odawa and Kelly Akengo decamping.

Former Kenya Cup champions Nakuru RFC is the most hit as Kevin Omiyo, Charlton Mokua, Were Coleman and Victor Shigholi have all been lured to Kabras. Cardovilli’s side had also signed the late Mike Okombe from Nakuru before his untimely death two weeks ago. “I trust the squad that I have and I believe they will deliver our targets.

I have good depth in the squad and quality players for my first Kenya Cup season with Kabras. After winning the sevens title with them, we now have the will to achieve greater goals,” said Cardovillis, who has released Levy Ochieng and Fidel Oloo to Nondescripts as Vincent Mwikhali joins championship side Menengai Oilers.

As it has become their norm, Kabras have also invaded Uganda and signed Asuman Mugerwa alongside Jaycox Mavala from Kisumu RFC. The club will also enjoy the services of Fabian Olando, Brian Sagara and Steve Oluoch who were absent for a year due to injuries.

They have, however, not renewed the contracts of their Fijian contingent with Cardovillis keeping faith with local talent whom he attributes for the club’s recent good run of form.

Meanwhile, Nondescripts beat the November 10 transfer deadline by acquiring Blak Blad’s trio of Moses Begi, Mark Ongayo and Franz Obudo who join after completing their studies at the Kenyatta University.