Homeboyz, KCB clash in Enterprise Cup final

What you need to know:

  • However, Murunga dismisses this, saying the only link between KCB and Homeboyz is himself and three players - Leonard Mugaisi, Oscar Ayodi and Harun Lubisia.
  • Murunga said his charges will come out blazing, this being their first ever final in the 15s version.
  • Homeboyz edged out Strathmore Leos 15-13 to ease through to the final where they hope to stop KCB’s charge for a double.

Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) and Homeboyz lock horns in a pulsating Enterprise Cup final at the RFUEA grounds on Saturday.

Many consider Homeboyz KCB’s team ‘B’, what with their coach Paul Murunga having captained the bankers to their last Enterprise Cup victory in 2007.

However, Murunga dismisses this, saying the only link between KCB and Homeboyz is himself and three players - Leonard Mugaisi, Oscar Ayodi and Harun Lubisia. “I have only three former KCB players and their brand of rugby is completely new from what they were used to at the banker’s den,” said Murunga.

“My style of approaching the game is also different from what I was used to at KCB.”

Murunga said his charges will come out blazing, this being their first ever final in the 15s version.

“They have already done the hard work going into the final hence they shouldn’t be under any pressure,” said Murunga. “They should panic because it’s a final but rather just play their game to enjoy.”

Murunga has been with Homeboyz since its formation in 2010.

The last time the two teams met was during the Day Nine of Kenya Cup where the bankers won comprehensively KCB 41- 5 on their way to lift their fourth Kenya Cup title.

Homeboyz edged out Strathmore Leos 15-13 to ease through to the final where they hope to stop KCB’s charge for a double. Murunga has made four changes, bringing in Mugaisi and fellow Kenya Sevens internationals Ayodi and Bush Mwale at the backline. Mugaisi starts at outside centre while Mwale on the wing, replacing Kevin Ochami and Daniel Abuonji. Ayodi is at fullback.Scrum-half Michael Wanjala replaces Kelvin Masai with Philip Ikambili starting at backrow instead of Martin Tubula.

KCB coach Curtis Olago, who played alongside Murunga when KCB won the 2007 Enterprise Cup, has stuck to the team that beat Impala Saracens 25-15 in the semi-finals last Saturday.

However, Kenyan Sevens skipper Andrew Amonde is back in the squad at flaking position, replacing Elly Mukaizi. Marlin Mukolwe once again starts at scrum half with Brian Omondi and Fabian Olando featuring in an unchanged midfield for today’s match.