Kabras Sugar RFC will strengthen their squad with the return of Brian Tanga, Kevin Wekesa and Jone Kubu to the starting lineup for their crucial Rai derby match against Menengai Oilers that will take place at the ASK Showgrounds in Nakuru on Saturday for matchweek 10 of the 24/25 Kenya Cup.
Kubu, Wekesa, and Tanga missed Kabras’ previous match against Nondies, where they narrowly won 7-3 while the three were on international duty with the national 7s team in the HSBC SVNS in Canada.
Also joining the squad will be William Mwanji and Jackson Siketi who will start from the bench.
Hosts Oilers will be aiming to bounce back from their setback last weekend where they fell short to KCB Rugby, losing 29-27 in a thrilling encounter at the Ruaraka Sports Club.
Currently sitting in third place with 41 points, a victory would propel them into second place, overtaking Kabras (43), as well as securing an advantage in the playoffs.
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For the Oilers, Denis Abukuse will be the sole addition making his return after international duty with Kenya Sevens.
However, Gibson Weru’s side will not have an easy task in taking the points from Carlos Katywa’s formidable team, who are seeking to defend their championship for a fourth consecutive year.
Additionally, the Kakamega-based club remains unbeaten in all nine of their matches, and they have not tasted defeat in nearly three years.
Despite Oilers entering the match as underdogs, given the current form of both teams, Katywa is not underestimating them and is ensuring his team prepares rigorously.
“They are a very dangerous side that no one can underestimate, even if we are unbeaten this season. We are preparing, knowing it’s going to be a very tough game for us away from home, so everyone has to give their best,” Katywa told Citizen Digital.
He also highlighted an area of concern for his team: “Of late, we’ve been conceding too easily. That’s an area we must address and drastically improve before it costs us more,” Katywa explained.
With a victory, the Millers can return to the top of the table, however, log leaders KCB Rugby will look to extend their dominance when they host Impala at the Ruaraka Sports Club.
The bankers remain unbeaten, and a win will solidify their lead while also securing a semifinal spot.
Impala, on the other hand, will be looking to build on their 19-12 win over Mwamba RFC last weekend and strengthen their position in the standings.
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Elsewhere, the people of Nakuru will witness another crucial encounter as Nakuru RFC hosts Mwamba Rugby at the Nakuru Athletics Club in a key relegation battle.
Currently sitting in 11th place with nine points, Nakuru faces the harsh reality of relegation if they fail to secure a win.
Their opponents, Mwamba, are just a point ahead in 10th place with 10 points, making this a must-win fixture for both teams.
At Ngong Road, there will also be a doubleheader. Nondies will aim to recover from their 7-3 defeat to Kabras as they welcome South Coast Pirates at Ngong Racecourse, who are also fighting for survival in the top tier, currently sitting at the bottom of the table with eight points.
At the RFUEA Grounds, Kenya Harlequins will face Kisumu Rugby, while KU Blak Blad takes on Strathmore Leos at the Kenyatta University Grounds in another vital fixture.
All six fixtures will kick off at 4:00 PM EAT.
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Kenya Cup Match Week 10 Fixtures
KCB Rugby vs Impala RFC – Ruaraka Sports Club
Menengai Oilers vs Kabras Sugar – ASK Showgrounds
Nondescripts vs South Coast Pirates – Ngong Racecourse
Kenya Harlequin FC vs Kisumu RFC – RFUEA Grounds
K.U Blak Blad vs Strathmore Leos – Kenyatta University Grounds
Nakuru RFC vs Mwamba RFC – Nakuru Athletics Club
