KCB face stern Homeboyz test in Cup semis

Double chasing Kenya Commercial Bank welcome Homeboyz in an enticing looking Enterprise Cup semi-finals match on Saturday at their KCB Sports Club “Lion’s Den” in Ruaraka, Nairobi.

The other semis, just as alluring, sees Impala away to Kabras Sugar at Kakamega Showground. Impala coach Frank Ndong’ is back in the squad to bolster his forwards as they seek their maiden victory in Kakamega.

This weekend will also be a defining moment for four teams - Western Bulls, University of Nairobi’s Mean Machine, Nakuru’s Menengai Oilers and Kisumu as they tussle for Kenya Cup promotion in KRU Championship semi-finals.

Machine hosts Western Bulls at the varsity’s ground while Oilers meet Kisumu at the ASK Showground in Nakuru. The two semis winners will gain promotion replacing Kisii and Mombasa who were axed at the end of the Kenya Cup season.

Back to the Enterprise Cup, it was a great reprieve for champions KCB after their fullback Elphas Otieno, who was red carded it the quarter-finals, was reinstated on appeal.

Homeboyz will see the return of Kenya Sevens skipper Oscar Ayodi, who has recovered from an injury he sustained in December at South Africa Sevens in Cape Town.

Otieno was shown his matching orders by referee Godwin Karuga in their match against Mwamba on Saturday where they won 53-7, but KCB lodged a successful appeal.

It will be a great relief for KCB coach Curtis Olago considering that his first choice fullback, Darwin Mukidza is training with Kenya Simbas and will not be available for the duel.

KCB will also be without Kenya Simbas forwards Oliver Mang’eni and Martin Owila, who featured in the demolition of Mwamba. They have been replaced by Calvin Sule and Manasse Oduor.

Prop Nelson Nyandat and winger Andrian Opondo, who started against Mwamba, will now come off the bench with Jerry Olala and Michael Kimwele earning starts.

BEAT NONDIES

The bankers are chasing their seventh cup and fourth in a row after winning in 2015, 2016 and 2017.

“Our reservoir is rich but we are not taking Homeboyz challenge lightly since they have beaten us before at home,” said KCB team manager Ronnie Kangeta.

Homeboyz, who lost to KCB in the 2015 final, bundled out Jamhuri Park co-tenants Nondescripts 31-11 last weekend.

Coach Paul Murunga has effected two changes, bringing Ayodi and Roy Wesonga to the bench in place of Kevin Asena and injured skipper Emmanuel Mavala.

“The battle against KCB has always been tough but we have prepared well this time round,” said Murunga. “KCB are beatable if my boys play well all-round.”

KCB beat the Deejays 26-6 in their last meeting in Kenya Cup.

The Sarries have never beaten Kabras in Kakamega. They came closest last year at the same Cup stage, before losing 16-14.

Kabras and Impala have made a change each. Kelvin Ronnoh comes in for the ill Steve Juma at Impala while Hilary Mwajilwa, who will come off the bench, has replaced Hosea Ngesa at Kabras.

Impala lost to Kabras 33-17 in their last meeting in Kenya Cup in Nairobi.

FIXTURES

KCB v Menengai Cream Homeboyz (KCB Sports Club, Ruaraka) 4.00pm

Kabras Sugar v Resolution Impala Saracens (ASK Showground, Kakamega) 4.00pm