Impala, Kabras Sugar face off in Kenya Cup final
What you need to know:
- Clubs have opted to stick to squads that won semi-final matches
- Kabras Sugar stand on Saracen’s way to 11th Kenya Cup league title during today’s final clash
- Impala and Kabras have gifted players, big forwards and flamboyant backs.
- Kabras had a slow start to the season but found their groove back in January.
A blend of youth and experience will be on display on Saturday when Impala face Kabras Sugar in a Kenya Cup final at the Impala Sports Club grounds.
Both sides have opted to stick to their squads that won their respective semi-final matches last Saturday.
Impala Saracens, who are chasing their 11th Cup success, bundled out defending champions Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) 8-7 at Impala Sports Club grounds while last year’s losing finalists Kabras Sugar, stopped Kenya Harlequin 19-15 at the RFUEA grounds.
But will Kenya Cup finally find its way to Western Kenya, the breeding ground of Kenya’s finest rugby players?
Kabras hold the key to that maiden journey. Nakuru made history as the first club outside Nairobi to win Kenya Cup in 2013 before retaining the crown in 2014.
It is Kabras Sugar that halted Nakuru’s run for a third successive victory last year, after beating the Wanyore 15-12 in the semi-final before losing to KCB 3-27 in the final.
GIFTED PLAYERS
Impala and Kabras have gifted players, big forwards and flamboyant backs.
The sides have a 1-1 record this season, with Impala winning the first leg 31-17 in Nairobi before Kabras avenged their loss with a 25-13 victory in Kakamega.
Kabras had a slow start to the season but found their groove back in January.
Having shown cohesion throughout the season, Impala will be aiming to rattle Kabras and clinch the title they last won in 2011.
It goes without saying the four Fijians- hooker Sava Racigu, blind-side flanker Apenisa Natambua, fly-half Jone Navuso and fullback Jone Kubu -have been Kabras Sugar’s spine.
Skipper Max Adaka has been instrumental to Kabras Sugar’s impressive run with his great ball carrying skills.
“They have consistently built their system on these players but we will have them on our radar. We intend to rattle them proper,” said Impala Saracens director of coaching Fred Ollows.
“The team that takes their chances besides iron-clad defence will win the final,” he added.
Impala’s backline is full of experience with Simiyu brothers of Nato and Innocent at fly-half and inside centre respectively and wingers Ian Minjire and Vincent Mose. They also have scrum-halfs Samson Onsomu and fullback George Okowa. The front row has Karani brothers - Dennis and Kelvins - who will be responsible for attack.
“Experience really won’t count to win the final but the team with character and discipline,” said Kabras Sugar deputy coach cum player Anthony Ogot.
“It’s our dream to go one better and we are well prepared,” he added.
