Bigwigs seek to secure Kenya Cup play-off spots

The race for Kenya Cup top six play-off berths will get clearer on Saturday as teams battle for vital bonus points with three matches remaining in the regular season.

Only one point separates the top three teams.

Leaders Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) top the log on 55 points with Homeboyz and Kenya Harlequin snapping at their heels with 54 points each.

Fourth-placed Impala Saracens are on 46 points, one better than defending champions Kabras Sugar, who are fifth.

Nakuru, lying sixth are on 38 points with hard chasing Mwamba a one position behind and just two points adrift. Champions Kabras Sugar, who are smarting from a 22-34 loss to Homeboyz last Saturday,  know that they can’t afford to slip again in the next two outings if they are to make the post season.

They host Quins today followed by Impala next Saturday at Kakamega showgrounds.

Before heading to Western, Impala will hope to recover from their 17-21 defeat at Nakuru last weekend for maximum points against a buoyant KCB side today at Impala Sports Club.

Homeboyz must be enjoying some of their best rugby since their last semi-final appearance in 2013.

The have seen off heavyweights Kabras Sugar, Impala, KCB, Quins and Mwamba.

They will fancy yet another bonus point win against Western Bulls at the Bullring.

That result could see the Deejays dance to the top of the league standings for the first time ever deposing KCB if the bankers to falter against Impala.

“There is a possibility but we after not focusing on that but five bonus points from Western Bulls since our next duel against Nakuru will be tricky,” said Homeboyz coach Paul Murunga, who has made only one change replacing Scrum-half Michael Wanjala with Edwin Wafula.

Mwamba have no choice but to beat Nondies at Railway Club if they hope to dislodge Nakuru from the sixth position. However, another spirited battle from Great Rift reminiscent from the side that beat Impala last weekend might just secure a victory against Blak Blad at Kenyatta University on Saturday.

Strathmore Leos and Mean Machine, who are both battling relegation face-off in another interesting duel.

Impala have made 10 changes to the side that lost to Nakuru last weekend.

Loose-head prop James Kubasu starts in place of Stephen Juma who moves to the bench. Simon Muniafu, son of legendary Maina “Mad Max” Muniafu puts on number five jersey instead of Erick Kerre, who starts on the bench.

Tyson Okoth shifts from the open-side flank to blind-side, replacing Joel Omer. Paul Mutsami moves from eighth man to open-side flank with Duncan Ekasi stepping to the position.

Nato Simiyu will start at fly-half with Mohammed Omollo, who has been starting at number 10, coming in as replacement. Left winger Richard Sidindi replaces Derrick Mayar.

Inside centre Seje Owaden replaces Samuel Motari, who suffered a head clash against Nakuru while Leon Adongo, who had an ankle injury, replaces Quinto Ongo at right wing.

FIXTURES

Kabras Sugar v Quins (4pm) Kakamega Showground

Western Bulls v Homeboyz (4pm) The Bullring

Mwamba v Nondescripts (4pm), Railway Club

Impala Saracens v KCB (4pm), Impala Club

Blak Blad v Nakuru (4pm), Kenyatta University

Strathmore Leos v Mean Machine (4pm) RFUEA