KCB host Kabras in top of the table clash

Kabras Sugar coach Henley Du Plessis (right) gives instructions to his players during a training session at Kakamega Showgrounds on February 21, 2018. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO |

By  AYUMBA AYODI

What you need to know:

  • Jacob Ojee, who is with Kenya Sevens, has been replaced by Stafford Abekah at left wing while Brian Omondi also comes off the bench for Esau Otieno at inside centre
  • Du Plessis welcomes back lock Brian Juma and loose-head Ephraim Oduor to his starting line-up for Charlton Mokua and Hosea Ngesa, who moves to the bench
  • Kabras fly-half Logan Basson admitted that there is always pressure in every game and all the teams are coming for them because they know what Kabras can bring to the table

Defending champions Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) and Kabras Sugar have rung key changes in their squads ahead of the crunch Kenya Cup rugby league tie at the Impala Sports Club grounds on Saturday.

Both coaches Curtis Olago (KCB) and Henley Du Plessis (Kabras) have kept their cards closely guarded ahead of the top-of-the-table clash but agreed that the team with dominant forwards in set-pieces and ruck play will carry the day.

Olago has altered virtually all his half-backs and three-quarters, resting scrumhalf Samuel Asati and fly-half Ahmed Shabaan, who played against Impala Saracens last weekend, for Michael Wanjala and Ken Moseti.

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More so, Jacob Ojee, who is with Kenya Sevens, has been replaced by Stafford Abekah at left wing while Brian Omondi also comes off the bench for Esau Otieno at inside centre.

Kenya Simbas skipper Davis Chenge moves from second row to open-side flank replacing Felix Ojoo, who played against Impala Saracens but is out altogether. Olago has summoned forward Moses Amusala to boost his bench replacing Nesta Nesta Okotch.

Du Plessis welcomes back lock Brian Juma and loose-head Ephraim Oduor to his starting line-up for Charlton Mokua and Hosea Ngesa, who moves to the bench.

“We beat Kabras last year but history can lie sometimes since we are facing a different Kabras,” said Olago. “Let us go meet on the pitch and ask ourselves questions as we play.”

“My players should just go for simple thinking and basics. They should just play and execute the game in the right areas,” said Du Plessis.

Kabras Sugar fly-half Logan Basson receives a pass during a training session at Kakamega Showgrounds on February 21, 2018. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO | NATION MEDIA GROUP

Kabras fly-half Logan Basson admitted that there is always pressure in every game and all the teams are coming for them because they know what Kabras can bring to the table.

“The harder they come the better players they make out of us,” said Basson. “Top goal is to win and it will be a great honour and privilege.”

Kabras scrum-half Mario Wilson expects a highly physical match. “KCB have big forwards and they will be coming around the corners and physicality will be one of the top priorities. We are prepared for that.”

FIXTURES (All matches start at 4pm unless otherwise indicated)
KCB v Kabras Sugar (Impala)

Impala Saracens v Homeboyz (Impala, 2pm)

Kenya Harlequin v Strathmore Leos (RFUEA)

Nakuru v Mwamba (Nakuru Athletic Club)

Nondescripts v Blak Blad (Jamhuri Park)

Mean Machine v Menengai Oilers (University of Nairobi)

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