Oilers confront KCB once again as Nondies face implausible quest against Kabras

It's semifinal Saturday in the Kenya Cup, with the promise of a spot in the final awaiting the victors of the two matches taking place in Kakamega and Nairobi.

The defending champions, Kabras Sugar, are in familiar territory, marking their ninth consecutive semifinal appearance as they pursue their fourth overall title.

Their dominance throughout the season has been evident, topping the regular season standings flawlessly, winning all 11 matches, including a commanding 40-0 victory over 17-time champions Nondescripts, their opponents in the semifinal at the Kakamega Showground.

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With such form, Kabras enter as clear favorites, while Nondies, in their first season back from the second tier, have surprised many by reaching the final four, notably with a dramatic 26-20 win over Kenya Harlequin in the previous weekend's playoff.

Kabras will undoubtedly aim for their trademark explosive start, relying on Ntabeni Dukisa's control at flyhalf and George Nyambua's physicality in the forwards.

However, Nondies, led by the resilient eighth man and captain Steve Odhiambo, have proven their mettle and will need to dig deep against the defending champions to secure a spot in their first-ever Kenya Cup final.

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Meanwhile, at Ruaraka, KCB and Menengai Oilers clash for the fourth consecutive time in a Kenya Cup semifinal since 2021.

Their recent encounter in matchday 10 saw Oilers clinch a 21-7 victory at the Nakuru Showground.

With a final berth at stake, this matchup promises intense competition, with particular focus on the battle between scrum-halves Samuel Asati of KCB and Samson Onsomu of the Oilers, a pivotal factor in shaping the outcome of the fixture.

In the historical context, KCB holds the edge in semifinal encounters against the Oilers, having won the initial meeting 38-20 in 2021, suffering a 24-17 defeat in 2022, and bouncing back with a convincing 35-17 victory in last season's semifinal.

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Race for Kenya Cup qualification concludes this weekend

Elsewhere, the climax of the race for Kenya Cup qualification is also set for Saturday, with the KRU Championship semifinals scheduled in Kakamega and Diani.

With four teams vying for the two coveted slots, the battle remains intense among South Coast Pirates, Daystar Falcons, Masinde Muliro, and Impala who are all out to secure their places in the top tier.

In what promises to be a historic showdown, South Coast Pirates and Daystar Falcons, both newcomers to the Kenya Championship scene, will clash in Diani, each eager to seize their maiden opportunity for top-flight rugby.

Meanwhile, in Kakamega, former Kenya Cup champions Impala will face Masinde Muliro, relegated from the top tier last season, in a high-stakes encounter.

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South Coast Pirates will rely on home advantage as they aim to become the first team from Kenya’s South Coast to qualify for the Kenya Cup.

Finishing second in the regular season, they earned the right to host Daystar Falcons, who secured their spot after defeating JKUAT Cougars in the playoffs.

Both teams met earlier in the season, with Daystar claiming a victory. Players like Kelly Akeng’o for Pirates and Eddy Wambugu for Daystar will be pivotal, orchestrating play and handling kicking duties.

In Kakamega, Masinde Muliro, the regular season leaders, face Impala, aiming to replicate their previous victory over the former champions.

However, Impala, with their rich history in Kenyan rugby, are determined to reclaim their Kenya Cup status after relegation in the previous season.

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Reporting by KRU