Big boys gear up for start of double-header Kenya Cup season

KCB Rugby Club skipper Curtis Olago is presented with a trophy and a cheque on October 25, 2014 after beating Kenya Harlequins 30-03 in the Impala Floodlit rugby tournament, at Impala Club. The tournament, which ended last weekend, proved resourceful to big wigs Nakuru, KCB and Kenya Harlequin ahead of the 2014/2015 Kenya Cup season that starts November 8, 2014. FILE PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO | NATION MEDIA GROUP

By  AYUMBA AYODI

What you need to know:

  • Dominique Habimana’s Nakuru finished third at the Floodies after beating Mean Machine 24-16 in the playoffs.
  • KCB last won the Kenya Cup in 2007 after back-to-back victories in 2005 and 2006. It’s Nakuru who humbled KCB 20-13 to retain Kenya Cup trophy in the final.

The Impala Floodlit rugby tournament that ended last weekend proved resourceful to big wigs Nakuru, KCB and Kenya Harlequin ahead of the start of 2014/2015 Kenya Cup season that starts on November 8.

The tournament provided a good stage for Kenya Cup champions Nakuru to raise the level of play for their Under-19 and Under-20 players ahead of the double-header season.

Dominique Habimana’s Nakuru finished third at the Floodies after beating Mean Machine 24-16 in the playoffs. “We wanted to raise the level of the game of our youngsters who played so well with the guidance of experienced players,” said Habimana, who guided Nakuru to a successful Kenya Cup title defence last season.

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But its former coach Eric Situma who made history when he led Nakuru to their maiden Kenya Cup win in 2012-2013 season.  

“Despite finishing third, we have achieved what we wanted at this level and we look forward to an exciting Kenya Cup season,” Habimana said.

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After guiding KCB to retain the Floodlit title for their fourth cup success, beating Quins 30-3 in the final, coach Curtis Olago said Kenya Cup will be a different ball game.

“The team has to jell, considering that Dennis Mwanja and Anthony Ogot could take up other roles in the technical bench. The rest must learn the ropes pretty fast,” said Olago.

“I have tested the players and I know who can stand up well in the big league.”

The bankers have new forward catches front-row Elly Mukaisi and back-row Morgan Muinde from Mean Machine and Mwamba respectively.

KCB last won the Kenya Cup in 2007 after back-to-back victories in 2005 and 2006. It’s Nakuru who humbled KCB 20-13 to retain Kenya Cup trophy in the final.

The bankers had beaten previous season’s finalists Strathmore 30-16 while Nakuru stopped Quins 24-8 in the semis.

Quins coach Enos Otieno said their campaign to recapture the title they won last in 2012 is on as he focuses on improving on his forwards department. 

Otieno has raided Strathmore stable, snatching Andrew Liyundi and Brian Nene and second row Tom Ingham from Britain.

Otieno predicted a competitive season in view of double-header matches, saying: “I lot of clubs have invested in quality. It will be tough.”

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