Big guns ready for battle in Kenya Cup semis

The 2014/25 Kenya Cup championship enters the penultimate stage tomorrow at Kakamega Showground and KCB Sports Club respectively with semis playoffs getting underway.

The duel pitting leaders Kabras Sugar RFC and Nondescripts RFC should be mouthwatering and brutal in equal measure at the Forest. In their last Kenya Cup regular season meeting, Kabras under coach Carlos Katywa barely scrapped through 7-3 against Callum Oliver’s Nondies and so a heavyweight clash certainly looms.

Nondescripts RFC has worked tirelessly to reclaim its place among the country’s top rugby teams, and flanker Fredrick Shisia is hopeful that their performance will be rewarded.

“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,” he said.

In this fixture, the sugar-men are strong favorites but pundits are predicting a tight encounter.

Meanwhile, at Ruaraka’s KCB homeground, another big game beckons in the shape of the Bankers against Menengai Oilers from Nakuru. In the last game, it was a tight result with the Lions of KCB winning 29-27 at their backyard.

In their last five encounters, Gibson Weru’s Oilers has only won once against Oliver Mang’eni KCB and as such they look heavy favorites in the contest that is expected to draw a huge crowd as the Bankers seek a ninth national title.

Ahead of the highly anticipated clash, KCB winger Austine Sikutwa said: “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.”

His teammate, Andy Cole Omollo acknowledged the long and grueling season but expressed optimism in the team’s depth and resilience.

“We have had a good season, finishing second, which has earned us a home semi-final. Injuries have been a challenge, with a few major ones here and there, but we’ve managed to cope because we have a strong squad. We are excited to take on Menengai Oilers, and with our home support behind us, we are ready for the battle.”

Both players emphasised the importance of fan support, urging KCB supporters to turn up in large numbers to cheer them on.

“We really appreciate Tusker’s sponsorship; it has come at the perfect time for us as clubs have been struggling. We encourage our fans to come in large numbers, support their favorite teams and players, and make the atmosphere electric,” added Sikutwa.

Already, Kenya Rugby Union has appointed experienced referee Victor Oduor to handle the Kabras vs Nondies game with Kevin Wambugu and Robinson Kiplangat being his assistants. The KCB vs Oliers match will have Kevin Kioko at the centre with the whistle assisted by the duo of veterans Constant Cap and Godwin Karuga.