KCB to unleash fit-again Chenge against Impala

Kenya Simbas second row Davis Chenge will make his maiden appearance for Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) this season when they face Impala Saracens in a Kenya Cup rugby league match at Ruaraka Sports Club on Saturday.

Chenge hasn’t featured for KCB having led Kenya at Africa Gold Cup and the Repechage 2019 World Cup qualifier last year.

Chenge, who has recovered from an injury, has replaced Nick Ongeri in one of the three changes that KCB coach Curtis Olago has made ahead of the clash.

Olago has also brought on board Kenya Sevens skipper Jacob Ojee at left wing in place of Stanford Abeka with scrumhalf Samuel Asati coming in for Michael Wanjala, who moves to the bench.

Impala Saracens coach Frank Ndong’ has also effected three changes besides making some crucial and tactical reshuffle in the starting unit.

Second row Davis Makori makes a return replacing Edwin Gatungo, who drops to the bench while another second row Kevin Okeyo comes off the bench to replace the injured Eric K’Opondo.

Fullback Samuel Oliech replaces Ishmael Mockey while Anthony Nyandigisi, who started at fly-half last Saturday when Impala defeated Menengai Oilers 24-22, moves to centre.

Xavier Bett, who played at scrumhalf against Oilers, will now operate from fly-half with Samson Onsumu taking over his place.

Ndong has also moved Eric Kerre, who played at second row against Oilers to blind-side flanker and Makori and Shem Joseph will now partner at second row.

Interestingly, forward Saul Kinyua and back Mike Munyua have bolstered Impala bench from their Eric Shirley Shield-side.

“Honestly, I have no clue on what to expect against Impala with our recent outings having been close affairs,” said Olago but called on Impala to brace themselves for a tough game.

“We are not following the hype that comes with such matches but thinking about what we are doing hence our biggest opponent is ourselves,” explained Olago.

Ndong' predicted that the game will be a battle of forwards. “Whoever dominates at the forwards will win the duel,” said Ndong' adding that he has brought in quicker forwards to compete against their opponents, who have the likes Chenge and Peter Waitere.

“Our defence is paramount and we don’t want to compromise our breakdowns. If we are to tamper with their offload then we will be in business,” said Ndong'.

Last season Impala forced a 9-9 draw against KCB in the regular Kenya Cup season but the bankers would reign 15-0 when they met in the semi-finals.

It was also a close affair when Impala last beat KCB (27-24) during the 2016/17 Kenya Cup season.

The last meeting between these two sides was in the Impala Floodlit final October last year where KCB prevailed 20-18.

KCB are placed second in the Kenya Cup rugby league standings with 40 points from eight wins and one loss while Impala are seventh with 25 points from five wins and four losses.

Elsewhere, unbeaten leaders Kabras Sugar face visiting Homeboyz at the Kakamega showground that will also host the duel between Nakuru and Menengai Oilers.

Kabras are top with 44 points while Homeboyz are sixth with 26 points.

It’s Kabras Sugar who have stopped Homeboyz twice at the semi-finals for the last two editions of Kenya Cup. They beat Homeboyz 22-17 in 2016/17 campaign and 29-13 during 2017/18 season.

FIXTURES (All matches start at 4pm unless otherwise stated)

Saturday
KCB v Impala Saracens (KCB Sports Club, Ruaraka)
Nondescripts v Strathmore Leos (Jamhuri Park)
Mwamba v Mean Machine (KCB Sports Club, 2pm)
Nakuru v Menengai Oilers (Kakamega showground, 2pm)
Kabras Sugar v Homebody (Kakamega showground)
Blak Blad v Kenya Harlequin (Kenyatta University)