Kabras Sugar tackle Quins in Enterprise Cup action

Kabras Sugar's Steve Ochieng (second right) charges forward during their Kenya Cup Rugby League semi-final match against Kenya Harlequin at RFUEA grounds on April 30, 2016. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO |

What you need to know:

  • Kenya Simbas team manager Wangila Simiyu has said they have only allowed the players to feature for their teams on Saturday
  • Kabras Sugar back-row skipper Max Adaka, scrum-half Edwin Achayo and centre Fabian Olando will be out to push the Kenya Cup champions to the quarters against Kenya Harlequin at Kakamega showground before linking up with Simbas.

Teams have the luxury of fielding their internationals at the 2016 Enterprise Cup that kicks off on Saturday with the pre-quarters before the national team players link up with Kenya Simbas to prepare for a series of test matches.

Kenya Simbas team manager Wangila Simiyu has said they have only allowed the players to feature for their teams on Saturday before being recalled up for Simbas programme that starts with the Elgon Cup on June 4.

KANG'ETHE BROTHERS OUT

Kabras Sugar back-row skipper Max Adaka, scrum-half Edwin Achayo and centre Fabian Olando will be out to push the Kenya Cup champions to the quarters against Kenya Harlequin at Kakamega showground before linking up with Simbas.

Although Harlequin will miss international front-row duo of Kang’ethe brothers Joseph and James, they have scrum-half Lyle Asiligwa, fly-half Isaac Adimo, centres Patrice Agunda and David Ambunya, who are with the national team.

Kenyan internationals Sammy Warui (hooker) and backrows Mike Okombe, Dalmas Chituyi, Martin Owili and Lawrence Buyachi will lead Nakuru’s charge against Nondies at the Jamhuri Park.

Mwamba, who only have back-row Dan Sikuta at Simbas, will take on Western Bulls at Railway Club, Nairobi, while Kenyatta University’s Blak Blad will meet Mean Machine from the University of Nairobi in a battle of university sides at Kenyatta University grounds.

Last year’s winners KCB, runners-up Homeboyz, losing semi-finalists Impala and Strathmore Leos have been given a bye to the quarters.

BETTER RECORD

Kabras and Quins will be meeting for the fourth time this season, the Kenya Cup champions boasting a 2-1 record. Quins won the first Kenya Cup leg 19-17 before Kabras turned tables to win 41-17 in the second leg and 19-15 in the semi-finals.

Adaka said his team is chasing a double this season as thyey seek to give Western Kenya its maiden Enterprise Cup after claiming their first Kenya Cup title on April 30 in Nairobi.

“We haven’t lost focus since our Kenya Cup victory,” said Adaka. “I know Harlequin are on a revenge mission against us and they will come harder on us but we are ready for an interesting duel.”

Kabras will welcome fly-half Jones Navuso and centre Nick Barasa from injuries.

Quins coach Joel Ng’ang’a said they will build on the momentum of winning the third place playoff for the Kenya Cup with victory against Kabras Sugar.

FIXTURES

Blak Blad v Mean Machine (Kenyatta University), Nondescripts vs. Nakuru  (Jamhuri Park), Kabras Sugar vs. Kenya Harlequin (Kakamega Showground), Mwamba vs. Western Bulls (Railway Club).