Arch-rivals Impala, Quins clash for semis berth
What you need to know:
- The winner between Impala and Quins will face champions Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) while Homeboyz will take on the winner between Kabras Sugar and the Leos in the semi-finals next Saturday.
- The Ngong Road neighbours’ fray looks interesting with Quins out to avenge their 10-8 loss to the Sarries in round six of the regular season. Both sides have effected changes to their squad ahead of the battle.
Arch-rivals Impala Saracens and Kenya Harlequin face-off at Impala Sports Club in Nairobi while Kabras Sugar host Strathmore Leos in Kakamega in mouth-watering Kenya Cup pre-semi-finals clashes Saturday afternoon.
The winner between Impala and Quins will face champions Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) while Homeboyz will take on the winner between Kabras Sugar and the Leos in the semi-finals next Saturday.
The Ngong Road neighbours’ fray looks interesting with Quins out to avenge their 10-8 loss to the Sarries in round six of the regular season. Both sides have effected changes to their squad ahead of the battle.
Impala coach Frank Ndong’ will be without influential utility back Vincent Mose and flanker Joel Omer, who are unavailable due to personal commitments.
Their places have been taken by Ian Minjire and Rainer Omondi respectively. Rainer Omondi will move to second-row with Kelvin Omondi returning to his usual back-row position.
Eric Kerre will be making a return from injury to partner Davis Makori at lock in a match that Ndong’ expects to match Quins pound-for-pound.
“We expect a running game and we are ready to cope with Quins expansive system,” said Ndong’, spoiling for a fight.
“This game won’t depend on history but the team that will commit few mistakes.”
Kabras Sugar coach Charles Cardovillis and his Strathmore Leos counterpart John Mbai expect a highly technical and free-flowing match especially if the heavens hold up.
“The Leos are good ballplayers but we are prepared for that as we focus on our structures,” said Cardovillis. “Obviously, we won’t let the favourite tag cloud our play hence history won’t dictate this game.”
Kabras crushed Leos 44-13 during the regular season.
Just like the Leos, Cardovillis said they will play every game as a final with Mbai affirming that they are in Kakamega for revenge and victory.
“We intend to upset the form book. We have been fortunate to train under wet conditions hence let Kabras know that we are ready for them,” said Mbai.
