This past weekend marked the second round of the DBA Africa’s Futures Cup, a rugby tournament that is quickly becoming a cornerstone for youth sports development in Kenya.
Organized by DBA Africa, a social enterprise dedicated to nurturing sports talent, the Futures Cup is designed to provide crucial pathways for junior rugby players, particularly those in the U15 age group.
With the participation of seven regions from Kenya and an invitational team from Kampala, the tournament is proving to be a breeding ground for future rugby stars.
Pathways to Success: The Role of DBA Africa’s Futures Cup
Since its inception in 2023, the Futures Cup has become more than just a tournament; it’s a structured platform where young rugby players can showcase their talents and gain exposure to higher levels of competition.
The tournament format, which includes trials and weekly training sessions leading up to the competition, ensures that only the best are selected.
This year, the competition format was revised, with three regions hosting mini-tournaments to determine the overall winner based on the number of wins and point differences.
The tournament also features scouts from DBA Africa, who meticulously select a Dream Team that will train for four months before embarking on a tour to Uganda in April 2025.
Kabras RFC: A Pillar of Rugby Development in Western Kenya
Kabras RFC, known for its strong rugby tradition, played a pivotal role in the success of this weekend’s tournament, hosting the Western Wanderers, Nyanza Hurricanes, and Kampala Giants. The matches were fiercely contested, with Kampala emerging as the overall winner after securing two victories.
The participation of Kabras RFC in the Futures Cup underscores the club’s commitment to rugby development in Western Kenya. Over the years, Kabras has become synonymous with excellence in the sport, not just through their senior team but also through their unwavering support for age-grade rugby.
DBA Africa’s partnership with Kabras Sugar RFC has been instrumental in elevating the standards of the Futures Cup.
As Storm Trentham, DBA Africa’s founder, noted, “Partnering with Kabras Sugar was a real honor. They have shown over the years their commitment to the development of rugby in the region, which can be seen through the performances of affiliate schools in the national and East Africa region games.”
The partnership is a testament to Kabras RFC’s long-standing dedication to nurturing young talent, ensuring that the region continues to produce top-tier players who can compete on both national and international stages.
The Future of Rugby in Western Kenya: A Legacy in the Making
As Western Kenya gears up to host the Schools East Africa Games next year, the importance of initiatives like the Futures Cup cannot be overstated.
The region has long been a hotbed for rugby talent, and the continuation of programs like these is vital for maintaining its legacy.
The Futures Cup not only provides young players with the opportunity to compete but also lays the groundwork for their future careers, with many participants earning scholarships and advancing to higher levels of competition.
The upcoming Schools East Africa Games will offer another platform for these young athletes to shine, and the continued support from Kabras RFC will be crucial in ensuring that Western Kenya remains a powerhouse in age-grade rugby.
With the success of this year’s Futures Cup and the ongoing commitment from both DBA Africa and Kabras RFC, the future of rugby in the region looks brighter than ever.
As the Futures Cup heads to its final tournament in December in Nairobi, the anticipation is palpable. The culmination of the tournament will not only determine the overall winners but will also solidify the role of the Futures Cup as a key player in the development of rugby talent in Kenya.
And with the introduction of an U15 girls’ tournament, the initiative is set to expand its impact even further, continuing to shape the next generation of rugby players in Kenya and beyond.
