Nondies dare KCB at Ruaraka

After beating Enterprise Cup champions Homeboyz, will Nondescripts continue their fairy-tale start to the 2018/2019 Kenya Cup campaign with victory against champions Kenya Commercial Bank on Saturday?

That is the big question after Nondies stunned Homeboyz 20-14 in their opener last Saturday.

Whether Nondies have what it takes to down KCB in Ruaraka remains to be seen as the white shirts seek their first victory against the bankers in almost seven years.

Curtis Olago’s KCB proved clinical against Menengai Oilers, grabbing a 27-5 victory against the newcomers to launch their title defence strongly.

Nondies coach Willis Ojal has made some tactical changes as they prepare for the bankers. Benjamin Marshalls comes to the inside centre in place of Eric Gitau, who now moves to outside centre.

Ivan Chebo, who played at outside centre has been rested while Brian Oruo will play on the wing, replacing Daniel Okito.

“We are not looking at the victory against Homeboyz for inspiration but the kind of structures and rugby we want to play for good delivery,” said Ojal.

Ojal said it’s long since they beat KCB but his charges are ready for the big match. “We were lucky to watch them play in the double header last weekend and there are two things that will give us an edge,” hinted Ojal.

Olago will be without his utility back Ken Moseti, who sustained an injury while playing against Oilers and has been replaced by junior prodigy Brian Osumba. Another rookie, scrum-half Edgar Salano has been promoted to KCB’s bench and will rest Osumba.

“We should have done much better against Oilers but the rains during the warm up ruined it for us,” said Olago. “But sometimes you take in the win and just thank God. A lot of polishing is required moving forward.”

Meanwhile, Strathmore Leos and University of Nairobi's Mean Machine hope to bounce back from previous defeats as they clash in the other televised double header at Ruaraka.

The Leos lost to Nakuru 20-15 while Machine crashed 41-0 to the 2015/2016 Kenya Cup champion Kabra Sugar.

Kabras Sugar are at Kenyatta University for a showdown with hosts Blak Blad while both Homeboyz and Mwamba hope to recover from previous defeats as they meet at the Railway Club, Nairobi.

Blak Blad suffered a slim 18-15 defeat by Impala Saracens while Mwamba lost 26-24 to Kenya Harlequin 29-26 last weekend.

Kabras Sugar have made one change in the starting line-up, bringing in Perminus Macharia at inside centre for Johnstone Macharia who moves to the bench. Brian Juma, who has recovered from an injury, moves to the bench.

“There are things we need to polish in our new pattern of play after the Machine game. Blak Blad definitely will be more structured than Machines,” said Kabras Sugar deputy coach Edwin Achayo.

Menengai Oilers host their first Kenya Cup duel at ASK Nakuru Showgrounds against Quins while Impala are at the Nakuru Athletic Club for a date with Nakuru.

Fixture

Strathmore v Mean Machine (2pm) KCB Ruaraka (TV Game), KCB v Nondies (4pm) KCB Ruaraka (TV Game); Blakblad v Kabras (4pm) KU; Mwamba v Homeboyz (4pm) Railways Club; Nakuru v Impala (4pm) NAC; Menengai Oilers v Kenya Harlequin (4pm) ASK Nakuru Showgrounds