Kenya Cup battle resumes this weekend

Champions Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) take on Nondescripts in a possible riveting and physical Kenya Cup encounter at the RFUEA grounds on Saturday starting from 2pm.

The duel will pave way for another mouth-watering clash between second-placed Kenya Harlequins and Strathmore Leos (4pm) at the same venue.

It is a weekend that leaders Impala Saracens could possible go clear at the top with a bonus point with a victory against Thika at the Impala Sports Club ground as Western Bulls and Kabras Sugar lock horns in an explosive Western Kenya derby at Kakamega High School.

Homeboyz, Nakuru and Mwamba also hope for bonus point victories when they host Bungoma Sharks, Mean Machine and Blak Blad respectively.

It has been a topsy-turvy affair for both KCB and Nondies clubs.

The bankers might be placed third in the league with 36 points but have encountered a bumpy ride, losing three encounters, winning six and drawing once.

They crushed Thika 58-0 in their previous encounter, having earlier lost to Homeboyz 22-27.

There other loses were against Quins 14-20 and Strathmore 25-27 with the draw (27-27) coming against Western Bulls.

NONDIES CHALLENGE

Nondies, who are placed ninth on the log with 24 points have a battle on their hands to redeem their image, having lost five times, winning a similar number of matches.

Their only big victory was when they beat Homeboyz 20-12 earlier in the season but have already lost to Quins and Nakuru twice in the campaign.

KCB coach Curtis Olago, has rued the injuries and unavailability of some of his key players this season.

"We have suffered due to the absence of key players but I am happy they are trickling back,” said Olago.

KCB welcomes flanker Rocky Aguko and flanker Francis Mwita, who were out with injuries.

Influential seasoned fly half Kenny Andola also makes a return after having been away due to work commitments.

YOUNG PLAYERS

Nondies deputy coach Victor Walgwe said their see-saw season was expected as their new and young players took time to settle.

“It was definitely going to be a challenge and it will be a bonus if we reach the semi-finals,” said Walgwe.

“We have young lads from high school and it’s a mental game as they play come up against players they look up to.”

Some of these players are wingers Collins Nato and Richard Karani formerly of St Mary’s and Kenya Under-19 fullback David Ketta.

"Olago and Walgwe expect a physical battle. I expect the bankers strong forwards to come hard on us with big tackles and dominant rucks but we shall put in our best,” said Walgwe.

Olago has however been cautious saying the Kenya Cup has never been easy.

“You can only underrate your opponents at your own peril,” said Olago.

KCB beat Nondies 24-10 in their Kenya Cup outing last season.

KCB went on to lift the title, beating Kabras Sugar for their fourth Kenya Cup success.

The 17 times winners Nondies are chasing their first crown since 1998.