Western Bulls, KCB Lions clash in Kenya Cup

Western Bulls' coach Howard Okwemba comes up against his former side Kenya Commercial Bank’s Lions at the Jamhuri Park in one of the six Kenya Cup matches on cards on Saturday.

In other matches, leaders Kenya Harlequin have a date with limping Kabras Sugar at the Kakamega Showground while Nakuru are up against Nondescripts with Blak Blad hosting the University of Nairobi’s Mean Machine at Kenyatta University grounds.

Mwamba and Impala have easy ties against Thika and Bungoma’s Kenya Sharks at Nairobi Railway Club and Impala Sports Club respectively.

Okwemba, who last coached KCB in 2012, is hoping for his second win of the season, with Western Bulls having lost in four outings. Bulls stand at 11th place in the log with eight points.

Western Bulls claimed their first victory of the season, beating visiting Mean Machine from the University of Nairobi 39-6 at Kakamega High School on December 19 before the league took a break for Christmas holiday.

“It has been tough for the team, having lost some key players,” said Okwemba. “We are somehow rebuilding and what we want in the remaining matches is consistency and concentration.”

Western Bulls have in the last week benefited technically from visiting Irish coaching instructor Nial Doherty, who is on holiday in the country. “He has been of great help technically,” said OKwemba, who hopes to match KCB up front and in loose play.

Okwemba’s back-row has Elkins Musonye, Fred Bango and Teddy Akala while Henry Ominde is at front –row. His backline has Isaac Wafula (fly half), new boy from Kakamega High Dominic Wendo (centre), and Reinhardt Ashioya (wing). Duncan Abuyeka will operate at full-back.

KCB coach Curtis Olago said: “The players are from a break hence I will field those who are game ready.”

CHENGE OUT

The bankers will be without flanker Davis Chenge.

Olago has a rich replacement that includes Kenya Sevens skipper Andrew Amonde, Elly Mukaisi and Griffin Musila.

Quins, the only side yet to concede defeat, top the standings with 23 points followed by KCB 22, Impala 21, Strathmore 19 and Homeboyz 19.

Quins tactician Sydney Obonyo said they will introduce Kenya Sevens wing Frank Wamyama, scrum-half Lyle Asiligwa and prop Dennis Muriithi to the encounter.  Back-rows Bernard Nyambok and Max Theuri, who are back from injury will start at the bench. “We know all has not been well at Kabras camp hence they will come hard on us at their backyard,” said Obonyo.

FIXTURES

Kenya Cup:

(All matches kick off at (4pm)

KCB v Western Bulls (Jamhuri Park)

Kabras Sugar v Kenya Harlequin (Kakamega Showground)

Blak Blad v Mean Machine (Kenyatta University)

Mwamba v Thika (Railway Club)

Impala Saracens v Kenya Sharks (Impala Club)

Nakuru v Nondescripts (Nakuru Athletic Club)

Strathmore v Menengai Cream Homeboyz – Postponed