Sibling rivalry on the cards as Kabras and Oilers set for big Kenya Cup finale

Kenya Cup season 2025 comes to a hilt this weekend as the Rai derby pitting Kabras Sugar RFC and Menengai Oilers takes place at Kakamega ASK Showground with all to fight for between regulars and giant slayers.

The country’s premier 15s rugby club competition has been growing by leaps and bounds and this year, the bar has been raised with competitiveness among the clubs delighting fans. Back-to-back winners Kabras RFC are tipped as favourites but Nakuru-based Oilers have grown steadily in confidence and could well muster a proper challenge albeit away from home.

The sugar millers under coach Carlos Katywa have continued their dominance in Kenyan rugby lately, with yet another solid unhampered campaign. The Western giants, finished the regular season unbeaten with 52 points. Their reign has now extended to 39 consecutive unbeaten Kenya Cup matches since February 2022 which is a record of sorts. They booked their spot in the final after a commanding 45-6 win over Nondescripts RFC in the semis on March 29.

Katywa who spoke to the Media, has expressed confidence of defending their title, “We have had a great season and are proud of the consistency the team has shown so far. Preparations for the final have been going well, and the players are focused and ready for the challenge ahead. We will not be taking anything for granted, reaching another final is an honor, but the job is not done yet. Massive respect for Menengai Oilers and what they have done.”

They have simply been superb this season and have proven they can match up against any team as we witnessed during the semis. Saturday’s game will be tough, but we are determined to give our fans a performance worthy of another Kenya Cup title. Expect a physical, tactical, and passionate battle, the kind of rugby the Kenya Cup final deserves.”

Menengai Oilers Head Coach, Gibson Were said his side is well prepared for the challenge ahead even as odds looked stacked against them; “Reaching the Kenya Cup final is a proud moment for the team and everyone associated with Menengai Oilers. It is a reward for the hard work the boys have put in throughout the season. Our preparations have been focused, intense, and deliberate. We’ve built momentum at the right time, and there’s a real sense of belief in the camp.”

Oilers have demonstrated grit throughout the campaign with some eye-catching performances. They recorded a massive 76-13 victory over Kisumu RFC on Match Day 15 and wrapped up the regular season in third place with 47 points. They battled their way past KU Blak Blad in the playoffs before stunning KCB RFC with a 31-8 win in the semi-finals to set up a mouth-watering final clash with Kabras Sugar.

“We know what’s at stake, and we’re looking forward to putting in a solid performance against a top side like Kabras. They’ve set the standard over the years, but we are here to compete and hopefully secure our first Kenya Cup title. Fans can expect great rugby, because we will give it everything we got,” he added.

The last time these two teams met in the Kenya Cup finals was in 2022 at the Bull Ring in Kakamega where the hosts earned a 34-38 win in a pulsating encounter. Home advantage might be a factor in this duel but analysts also believe another swing aspect could be the weather and conditions of the pitch on Saturday.