In a display of dominance and strategic brilliance, Kabras Sugar secured their third consecutive Kenya Cup title with a resounding 29-5 victory over KCB in the final clash at the Kakamega Showground on Saturday.
This victory not only cemented their reign as champions but also marked the West Kenya Sugar Company sponsored side’s largest winning margin against their arch-rivals.
Right from the outset, Kabras Sugar signaled their intent with a swift assault. Walter Okoth opened the scoring just three minutes into the game, capitalizing on Brian Tanga’s groundwork to dash over for a try behind the posts.
Ntabeni Dukisa added the extras with a successful conversion, granting Kabras an early 7-0 lead and setting the tone for the match.
Maintaining their momentum, Kabras continued to assert their dominance. Kevin Wekesa extended their advantage to 15-0 with a well-worked try following a clever chip by Dukisa, who had a standout performance throughout the game.
Despite missing the conversion, Dukisa’s efforts piled pressure on KCB, who suffered further setback when Griffin Musila was shown a yellow card, reducing them to 14 men.
Seizing the numerical advantage, Kabras capitalized on the opportunity. Dukisa himself collected a beautifully weighted pass to notch Kabras’ third try of the game, converting it successfully to stretch the lead to 22-0 by the half-hour mark.
However, just as Kabras seemed untouchable, Dukisa was sin-binned, offering KCB a lifeline. Vincent Onyala seized the opportunity, evading the defense to score a try wide on the overlap. Despite missing the conversion, KCB managed to reduce the deficit to 22-5 by halftime.
The second half witnessed a spirited battle, with KCB hoping to stage a comeback. Yet, their aspirations were dashed when Elvis Olukusi was sin-binned shortly after the restart.
Kabras, however, failed to capitalize on the numerical advantage, as multiple handling errors within the KCB 22 prevented them from adding to their tally.
Nonetheless, Kabras regained their momentum upon Olukusi’s return. Brian Tanga’s quick thinking and execution caught the KCB defense off guard, allowing Kabras to secure their fourth try of the game.
Dukisa’s successful conversion extended the lead to 29-5, effectively putting the game beyond KCB’s reach.
With this victory, Kabras Sugar who are sponsored by Rai Group chairman Jaswant Rai etched their name into the annals of Kenyan rugby history, defending the cup and claiming their third consecutive and fourth overall Kenya Cup title.
Their performance exemplified skill, determination, and strategic prowess, leaving no doubt about their status as the preeminent force in Kenyan rugby.
As the celebrations ensued, Kabras savored the sweet taste of success, while KCB reflected on what could have been, vowing to regroup and return stronger in the seasons to come.
