South African Ntabeni Dukisa has opened up on his smooth transition from player to coach at Kabras RFC, admitting that while he has not officially hung up his boots, he is already enjoying life on the sidelines.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsThe former Southern Kings fly-half has been serving as Kabras' backs coach during the 15s campaign and has remained part of the technical bench throughout the ongoing National Sevens Circuit.His impact has been immediate, helping guide the club to an impressive run of results in his first coaching season.14 Kenyan stars make inaugural Ultimate Sevens draftUnder the Kabras technical bench, Dukisa has celebrated victory in the inaugural Malala 7s Cup, lifted the Nakuru 10s Tournament title, finished runners-up at the Prinsloo 7s, and, most recently, won the Dala 7s title, ending the club's nine-year wait for the Kisumu crown.Reflecting on the move from player to coach, Dukisa described the transition as seamless, crediting head coach Carlos Katywa for easing him into his new responsibilities."My coaching experience so far has been great. It has been a smooth transition from being a player to becoming a coach. I'm still working under Carlos, and he has been helping me a lot throughout the process.##NAJAVA_MECA_9878670##It's been a pleasure assisting these players because they are so disciplined, which makes the job much easier,” Dukisa told Mozzart Sport.Although he has taken on coaching duties, the South African insists he has not officially retired from playing and remains open to whatever the future holds."Nothing has been confirmed yet, but we'll see what happens," he said.Paul Murunga opens up on secret to his success in coachingOne of the biggest advantages in his new role, according to Dukisa, is the close relationship he enjoys with the squad after sharing the field with many of the current players."Being close to the players definitely helps. Because I recently played alongside many of them, it's easier for them to relate to me and listen to what I have to say,” he said.Following Kabras' triumph at the Dala 7s, Dukisa reserved special praise for the youthful squad, saying their commitment throughout the season deserved recognition.##NAJAVA_MECA_9878698##"I'm incredibly proud of the boys for winning this title, but the credit must go to these young players. They have worked so hard throughout the season. We've pushed them in every possible way, and they've never complained,” he said.While coaching has become his long-term ambition, Dukisa revealed he is also focused on personal growth away from rugby."I already have my World Rugby Level II coaching qualification in 15s. Coaching is my passion, and it's what I want to pursue. At the same time, there are other things I want to achieve outside rugby, including furthering my studies and earning my diploma,” he averred.Why talented Kabras RFC youngster will miss the Barthes CupDespite speculation about his future, Dukisa says he is settled in Kenya and is in no rush to move elsewhere."It will depend on the opportunities that come my way and how I feel at the time. Right now, I'm happy here in Kenya. If the right opportunity comes along, I'll consider it, but for now I'm very content being here,” he offered.Dukisa's rugby story began in South Africa, where he was once tipped for greater honours. In 2012, he earned selection to the South African Barbarians side that faced England during their tour of the country, scoring a memorable try in the fixture. However, despite that promising moment, a Springbok call-up never materialised.##NAJAVA_MECA_9879083##He went on to represent the Southern Kings in the Pro14 and the Eastern Province Elephants in the Currie Cup before making a career-defining move to Kenya in 2019.When he arrived at Kabras Sugar RFC, his objective was to help the club reclaim the Kenya Cup. Representing Kenya on the international stage was never part of the original plan.Instead, Dukisa became one of the most influential foreign signings in the club's history.KSSSA: Inside Kirangari fly-half’s plan to use rugby to rescue mother from restaurant workAs a player, he helped Kabras win four Kenya Cup titles, with his leadership and composure proving instrumental in the club's sustained dominance.Last season, he produced a match-winning display in the Kenya Cup final to earn the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, while this year he once again delivered under pressure, booting nine crucial points as Kabras secured a historic sixth consecutive Kenya Cup crown.
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