Kenya Cup Semi-Finals: Tactical battles as Kabras, KCB face old foes

Kenya’s most decorated rugby club Nondescripts is keen to end Kabras Sugar’s three season unbeaten run when they face off with the defending Kenya Cup champions in the semifinals set for Saturday at Kakamega Showgrounds.

Nondies have beaten Kabras just once, in the 2014/15 season when the sugar miller were making their debut in the top flight. Since then, the White Shirts have gone on to lose eight consecutive outings against the defending champions.

Kabras will be eying to complete a four-peat by booking their ninth consecutive Kenya Cup final . After topping the regular-season standings, they secured a direct semi-final spot for the sixth consecutive year.

Nondies, Kenya Cup’s most successful club, have made an impressive return to the top flight, reaching the semis for a second straight season. They punched their ticket to the last four with a commanding 38-22 win over Kenya Harlequin in the playoffs, completing a season double over their old rivals.

In the second semi final, former champions KCB Rugby will be keen to bounce back from their poor Enterprise Cup show when they welcome Menengai Oilers to their Ruaraka Grounds in a crucial Kenya Cup semifinal match set for Saturday.

The bankers lost back to back matches to reigning Kenya Cup and Enterprise Cup champions Kabras Sugar in their last two meeting played over the past three weeks.

KCB Rugby, eight-time Kenya Cup champions, will be aiming to secure their spot in the final once again as they take on a formidable Menengai Oilers side. The bankers will be facing an Oilers side who hit Blak Blad 38-18 in the semifinal playoffs last week and will be keen to topple the bankers again like they did in 2021.

This year’s semis will be a repeat of last season’s semi-finals. Kabras claimed a 39-7 dominant win over Nondies. The story was different during this year’s regular season, with Kabras just doing enough for a 7-3 win.

KCB defeated Oilers 21-12 in last year’s semi-finals to advance to the final. Their most recent encounter was on 22 February this year, when KCB staged a comeback to defeat Menengai Oilers 29-27 in Ruaraka. At one point, the game was 22-12 in favor of Menengai Oilers, but they succumbed to KCB’s relentless pressure in the dying minutes of the game.

Fredrick Shisia, Nondies’ player, spoke about the team’s journey to the semi-finals and the belief within the squad.

“According to me and our side, I believe that we’ve worked very hard to get to where we are. Every game has had its ups and downs, but we have pushed through, and that’s why we are here today. We know we are playing against Kabras, and we expect them to come hard at us, but we are prepared, and we know what they are going to bring. Our biggest strength is our team bonding and the way we push each other to show up for training and give our best every time we step on the pitch.”

Austin Sikutwa, KCB winger, reflected on the season’s journey, emphasizing the team’s readiness despite facing stiff competition throughout.

“So far, the season has been great, though we’ve had some tough matches along the way. We’ve had to put our best foot forward, focus on teamwork, and ensure we execute our game plan effectively. The semi-final will be a tough match as it always is against Oilers, but I think the boys are ready, and we are well-prepared.”

In the first semi-final at Kakamega Showground, experienced referee Victor Oduor will take charge in his 120th Kenya Cup match. Oduor, following in the footsteps of legendary referees Godwin Karuga and Constant Cap, will be assisted by Kevin Wambugu and Robinson Kiplangat.

The second semi-final at KCB Sports Club will see Kevin Kioko officiate the clash. Kioko, who attained World Rugby’s Level Three match official accreditation in November, will be assisted by Godwin Karuga (first assistant) and Constant Cap (second assistant).