Two big domestic rugby games are lined up this weekend as the 2024/25 Kenya Cup league resumes for Round 4 this Saturday after the holidays break for teams with new signings keen to impress in the remainder of the season.
Defending Champions Kabras Sugar RFC under Coach Carlos Katywa, lock horns against Strathmore Leos in Nairobi’s Leo Complex in Madaraka at 4pm.The head to head is heavily tilted towards the sugar-men from Western Kenya. Kabras who lead the standings on 15 points has who won four straight matches and the last meeting against Leos, they spanked the University side 88-3.
Worse off for the Leos under Coach Willis Ojal, they have lost four straight matches and are in bad shape even with arrival of the free-scoring heavyweights who have strong odds in the contest.
In another exciting contest, neighbors Nakuru RFC better known as Wanyore clash with Menengai Oilers RFC in the “Nakuru Derby”. Indeed, the eighth edition of this meet is significant because of history. In the last seven meetings, the “younger” of the kin; Oilers have picked 4-3 wins over their weekend challengers who are a disappointing ninth place with no win so far.
Fireworks are anticipated in the match to be played at the historical Nakuru Athletic Club starting 4pm local time. There have been controversial crossovers between players from both ends in recent times and therefore the clash should be emotional and properly contested with dynamic backline Amos Omae making a return to his former home with a win on his sights.
Elsewhere neighbors Kenya Harlequins RFC and Impala RFC do battle at the Rugby Football Union of East Africa (RFUEA) Grounds in the popular Ngon’g Road derby. Quins currently in fourth place with 14 points have three straight wins and will look to add misery to the Saracens Impala side that are seventh on the log on five points after posting one win and two losses in their three past matches.
Based on current form, the Harlequins under experienced tactician Paul Murunga look the business and odds on favorites against the recently promoted Saracens coached by Louis Kisia.
Meanwhile, Mwamba RFC will be out to test their grit against former Champions’ KCB RFC that is currently joint tops with 15 points. The Bankers popularly referred as Lions is expected to unleash its firepower against oldies Kulabu at the Jamhuri ASK Showground starting 3pm.
Mwamba in 10th place are in dire straits having lost three straight games with a -127 score that is a huge disadvantage as it stands for the once titanic side that boasted the likes of former Kenya 7s Captain Humphrey Kayange, Dennis Ombachi and Collins Injera.
At the Lakeside City of Kisumu, salt and fresh waters meet as Kisumu RFC play host to South Coast Pirates at Mamboleo Showground under the blazing sun. Both teams are tied at the bottom with no wins and either would savor a win to boost their confidence.
