Famed Mwamba RFC entered the match on Saturday, March 8 fully aware that their survival depended on a maximum-point victory against KU Blak Blad in their last match of the Kenya Cup 2025 season.
Despite delivering a thrilling finish at the RFUEA grounds with a 29-15 triumph, Mwamba’s hopes were dashed as they were mathematically relegated from the topflight league.
Mwamba approached the game in search of five points, but they were only awarded four points for the win, bringing their total to 16.
Impala, despite losing to Nakuru RFC, earned a bonus point, also reaching 16 points.
However, Mwamba’s relegation was confirmed due to their inferior head-to-head record against Impala, as well as their point differential, despite both teams being tied on 16 points.
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Mwamba dealt bitter pill
Determined to survive, Mark Mshila’s side began the match with three penalties, all of which were converted by Tony Onyango, giving them a narrow lead in the first half.
Blak Blad responded with two penalties, converted by Daniel Oyoo, keeping the score tight at 9-6 before the break.
In the second half, Brian Ayimba scored two tries for Mwamba, one of which was converted, increasing their lead to 21-6. Blak Blad then earned two more penalties, bringing the score to 21-12.
However, Mwamba added another penalty conversion to extend their lead to 24-12.
Steve Sikuta further extended the Kulabu lead with a try, while Blak Blad also won a penalty.
At last, both teams settled for a final score of 29-15.
Despite the victory, Mwamba faced the bittersweet reality of relegation, joining South Coast Pirates in the Championship.
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For the Pirates, there was little to celebrate as they were relegated in their debut season, suffering a heavy 35-0 defeat to Menengai Oilers in their final match at the Seacrest Grounds.
Elsewhere, in a top-table clash, Kabras Sugar extended their dominance in the league with their 11th consecutive win this season, defeating KCB Rugby 25-17 at the Kakamega Showground.
This victory secured the top spot with 52 points, just ahead of KCB’s 50 points.
The Millers have now gone 39 matches without defeat and have topped the log table for the past six years.
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Kenya Cup match day 11 results
- Impala RFC 17-21 Nakuru RFC
- Mwamba RFC 29-15 K.U. Blak Blad
- Strathmore Leos 28-27 Kenya Harlequin FC
- Kisumu RFC 17-14 Nondescripts
- South Coast Pirates 0-35 Menengai Oilers
- Kabras Sugar 25-17 KCB Rugby
