KCB RFC head coach Oliver Mang’eni has said his team is shifting its focus to the upcoming Enterprise Cup semi-finals after losing 25-17 to Sugar Millers, Kabras, in the Kenya Cup league clash at the ASK Grounds in Kakamega on Saturday afternoon.
The Bankers will be looking for a revenge on March 15, 2025, when they play Kabras at the same venue in the hugely anticipated duel.
Speaking after the match, KCB RFC Head Coach Oliver Mang’eni said: “The boys started the game well. In the first half, we put a lot of pressure on Kabras. However, in the second half, we made so many mistakes in our territory that cost us a win.
“It is time for us to go back to the drawing board and work on the areas we fell short. I am confident we will bounce back stronger and better.”
Kenyan international Kelvin Wekesa capitalised on KCB’s error inside their 22 to score a beautiful try before the 10-minute mark. Kabras 7-0 lead was short lived as Austin Sikutwa emphatically scored one for KCB to level up following a successful conversion by the winger.
Ntabeni Dukisa then scored two penalties after Tyson Maina was penalised to put his team back on the lead. Griffin Musila responded with another try which was successfully converted by Austin Sikutwa to hand KCB a slim 14-13 lead.
Dukisa, who had his kicking boots on today, scored another penalty to regain the lead before Austin Sikutwa’s penalty to see KCB lead 17-16. At the halftime break, Kabras was ahead 19-17 following another Ntabeni Dukisa’s penalty kick.
In the second half, KCB did not maximise their attacks after failing to score despite spending most of the time in Kabra’s territory. They had three tries but failed to get past the sugar millers’ solid defence. Ntabeni Dukisa added two penalties to extend their lead to 25-17.
With the win, Kabras Sugar seals the hosting rights to the final at their home turf. The playoffs are set for March 28, 2025, to determine the two teams that will play each other in the final.
Below are the full results from the other matches compiled by the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU).
Matchday 11 of the Kenya Cup regular season was nothing short of drama, intensity, and high-stakes action. With teams fighting tooth and nail for survival, a series of upsets rocked the standings as the battle for relegation took center stage. While some teams secured crucial wins to escape the drop, others, despite their valiant efforts, were not as fortunate.
Strathmore Leos Stun Quins in a Nail-Biter
One of the most shocking results of the weekend saw Strathmore Leos edge out Kenya Harlequin 28-27 in a match that had fans on the edge of their seats. The Leos, desperate to stay afloat, showed immense grit to claim a victory over a seasoned Quins side. Their resilience and hunger for survival paid off in the end, ensuring their stay in the top tier for another season.
Mwamba’s Bittersweet Triumph
Kulabu came into matchday 11 knowing only a win would keep their survival hopes alive, and they delivered with a 29-15 victory over KU Blak Blad. However, fate was not on their side, as results elsewhere sealed their relegation despite their spirited performance. It was a cruel ending for Mwamba, a side with rich history in Kenyan rugby, as they now join South Coast Pirates on the trip down to the Championship.
Kisumu and Nakuru Defy the Odds
Kisumu RFC pulled off a hard-fought 17-14 win over Nondescripts, a result that proved to be a crucial lifeline for their Kenya Cup status. Nakuru RFC also rose to the occasion, securing a 21-17 victory over Impala RFC to complete their great escape. Both teams had been teetering on the edge, but their determination in the final round saw them live to fight another season.
South Coast Pirates Fall to Oilers
The South Coast Pirates were unable to find a miracle, suffering a 35-0 defeat at the hands of Menengai Oilers. It was a tough day for the Pirates, whose fate had already been hanging by a thread, as they now officially bow out of the top division.
Kabras Continue Dominance Over KCB
In the battle of the giants, Kabras Sugar once again proved why they are the team to beat, claiming a 25-17 win over KCB Rugby. This victory reinforced their position as the front-runners heading into the playoffs, setting up what promises to be an electrifying race for the title.
On to the Playoffs!
With the dust settling on the regular season, focus now shifts to the playoffs. The battle for the championship intensifies as the top teams prepare to go head-to-head.
Meanwhile, Mwamba and South Coast Pirates must regroup and plan for life in the Championship, hoping for a quick return to the Kenya Cup.
Additional reporting by KRU
