KCB RFC are gearing up for another tantalising fixture against Kabras Sugar in the Enterprise Cup semifinal clash at the ASK Showground, Kakamega County, on Saturday, March 15, 2025. In the other semifinal fixture, Menengai Oilers will face Nondescripts in Nakuru County.
KCB, the five-time Enterprise Cup champions, will be looking for revenge when they play their nemesis following last weekend’s disappointing 25-17 loss in the Kenya Cup.
When the two teams met last year in the Enterprise final, Kabras had the upper hand, winning 32-20.
Head coach Oliver Mang’eni has expressed his confidence in the squad after last weekend’s encounter. The gaffer believes that the team is ready to compete for the titles this season, and he thinks they will beat Kabras on their home turf to sail through to the finals.
“In a short period of time, we have made drastic changes and improvements in the squad,” Mang’eni said during a training session at the KCB Sports Club, Ruaraka. “Last weekend’s display from the boys was encouraging. Our game plan is working, and our tactical approach is proving worthy. We want to continue playing like this and hopefully take KCB back to where it belongs, winning titles.”
KCB last won the Enterprise Cup in 2017, having previously won it in 2004, 2007, 2015, and 2016.The weekend’s fixture is significant for the Bankers, who will be in search of the silverware that has eluded the team for the past seven years. Additionally, a win in the semis will be a major boost for Mang’eni, who recently took over from the seasoned coach Curtis Olago.
“I am happy with the boys who have shown great hunger for titles this year,” KCB captain Jacob Ojee said. “Together with the technical bench, we are working so hard to win silverware. The young blood who have joined the team have added a new dimension to the squad, and it is my hope that we will clinch titles at the end of the season.”
Isaac Njoroge is expected to start at the back after his impressive performances in the past Kenya Cup matches. Austin Sikutwa, Emmanuel Opondo, Laban Kipsang, Andycole Omolo, Wilhite Mususi, Griffin Musila, Emmanuel Silungi, and Nick Okullo are also expected to feature for the Ruaraka-based outfit.
Tyson Maina, a key figure in Mang’eni’s team, will miss the match after his concussion in the last fixture at the same venue.
Kabras RFC advanced to the semifinals by defeating Kenya Harlequin 43-20 in the quarterfinals. Fly-half Eric Cantona delivered a standout performance, scoring a hat-trick and adding several conversions. Meanwhile, KCB Rugby showcased their dominance with a commanding 86-7 victory over Catholic Monks in their quarterfinal clash.
Menengai Oilers progressed after receiving a walkover from Homeboyz in the quarterfinals, while Nondescripts RFC advanced following a walkover from South Coast Pirates.
