Bankers ready for Oilers’ test in Kenya Cup encounter
The Lions will have to navigate their upcoming fixture without one of their key players, Ian Omoke
Eight-time Kenya Cup Champions KCB Rugby Football Club is gearing up for a crunch clash against Nakuru based Menengai Oilers this Saturday at the KCB Sports Club, Ruaraka.
With three matches left to play in the Kenya Cup regular season before the playoffs, the Bankers are on course to secure a home semi-final. As it stands, KCB is second in the table with 40 points, Kabras sits top with a superior points difference.
Speaking on the sidelines of a training session ahead of the fixture at the den, KCB head coach Oliver Mang’eni said:
“We have certainly put in the hard work in preparations, and the team is fully focused on delivering a strong performance against Oilers this weekend. The players are motivated, and we are ready to take on the challenge ahead. We expect a tough battle so we must be all hands on deck in all departments.”
The Lions will have to navigate their upcoming fixture without one of their key players, Ian Omoke. A prolific figure in Head Coach Oliver Mang’eni’s squad, Omoke has been sidelined due to a tibial fracture injury. The dynamic player underwent surgery in late January and is still on the road to recovery, making him unavailable for selection.
Other players including Trevor Odawa, Oscar Simiyu, Nelson Nyandat, Dennis Waithaka and Gabriel Namusasi are all in their rehabilitation phase following injuries and will not play against the Oilers.
Mang’eni is expected to start Wilhite Mususi, Nick Okullo, Andy Cole Omollo, Jacob Ojee, and Emmanuel Opondo. Former Oilers players Davies Nyaundi, Erick Miheso, and Tyson Maina are also expected to feature for the Ruaraka-based side.
The bankers will also miss the services of Floyd Wabwire, Samuel Asati, and Vincent Onyala who joined the national team Shujaa for the upcoming Vancouver Sevens in Canada.
Currently in the log, all eyes will be on the top two traditional rivals of Kabras RFC and KCB to see who blinks first with the much anticipated Playoffs in teams minds as the season draws to a close.
