The regular season is done and dusted, the focus now shifts to playoffs and there are two matches on the cards, one in Nakuru and one in Nairobi with semifinal slots at stake for the winners.
Menengai Oilers, third at the close of the regular season, host Kenyatta University Blak Blad who finished sixth, claiming their first ever playoff berth.
There was little to separate the sides when they met during the regular season, the Oilers claiming the 23-19 result when they met on Saturday 20 January 2024 at the same venue.
Hosts Oilers, led by skipper Ibrahim Ayoo, come into this match as favorites but must be wary of an Obat Kuke inspired Blak Blad side who are capable of springing a surprise.
The winner of this match will play away to KCB in the semi final next weekend.
Over at the RFUEA Ground, Kenya Harlequin and Nondescripts quickly renew their acquaintance. The two sides met last weekend in the final round of regular season play, Nondies claiming the 21-13 win over Quins but we do expect today’s fixture to be played according to a totally different script as both teams go in pursuit of a place in the semifinals away to Kabras Sugar.
All in all, we do expect intriguing clashes at both venues, the intrigues of knockout rugby dictating that teams must be decisive from the kickoff to full-time whistles.
Menengai Oilers v Kenyatta University Blak Blad | Nakuru Showground | 4pm
Menengai Oilers:15. Davis Nyaundi, 14. Kelvin Chebet, 13. Tyson Maina, 12. Harold Ojango, 11. Beldad Ogeta, 10. Abutwalib Wesonga, 9. Samson Onsomu, 1. Francis Atiti, 2. Celestine Mboi, 3. Vincent Mwikhali, 4. Ibrahim Ayoo (Captain), 5. Clinton Odhiambo, 6. Jadha Abdon, 7. Chrispin Shitundo, 8. Elkeans Musonye REPLACEMENTS 16. Coleman Were, 17. Desterious Ifedha, 18. Kevin Mukoyani, 19. Wallace Onyango, 20. Samuel Were, 21. Andrew Odero, 22. John Okoth, 23. Samwel Mwaura
Blak Blad: 15. Kelvin Karue, 14. Huku Khwesa, 13. Claude Nyamiro, 12. David Ochieng, 11. Hassan Saleh, 10. Daniel Oyoo, 9. Benjamin Ruga, 1. Desailly Wafula, 2. Asena Amayi, 3. Brian Kidake, 4. Dennis Odhiambo, 5. Steve Odhiambo, 6. Derrick Olela, 7. Obat Kuke (Captain), 8. James Otieno REPLACEMENTS 16. Oduor Onyango, 17. Austin Adero, 18. Collins Obure, 19. Douglas Sifuna, 20. Brian Kadenge, 21. Wanjohi Gundangaru, 22. Ian Kitutu, 23. Derrick Wechuli
Kenya Harlequin v Nondescripts | RFUEA Grounds | 4pm
Kenya Harlequin: 15. Bradley Kwama, 14. Charles Kinyanjui, 13. Richel Wangila, 12. Paul Mutsami, 11. Zeden Marrow, 10. Evin Asena, 9. Lucky Dewald, 1. Mohamed Khaider, 2. Adam Mugo, 3. Meshack Tunnechi, 4. Charlton Mokua, 5. Mike Onsando, 6. Albert Alela, 7. Laban Kipsang, 8. Sheldon Kahi (Captain) REPLACEMENTS 16. Jeff Kiragu, 17. Elisha Gitonga, 18. Abel Matinda, 19. Frank Aduda, 20. Brighton Mwalawa, 21. Patrick Wainaina, 22. Jan Remke, 23. Wiseman Aganya<
Nondescripts: 15. Dominic Osino, 14. Moseti Nyaenya, 13. Charles Odhiambo, 12. Benji Marshall, 11. Sankara Wafula, 10. Bruce Odhiambo, 9. Charles Devereux, 1. Charles Odwori, 2. Bonface Ochieng, 3. Boniface Amimo, 4. Hillary Baraza, 5. Ryan Odua, 6. Brian Amaitsa, 7. Fred Shisia, 8. Steve Odhiambo (Captain) REPLACEMENTS 16. Oliver Tambo, 17. Trevor Otieno, 18. Eric Shimoli, 19. Steve Ortice, 20. Charles Omondi, 21. Dennis Munala, 22. Ian Mumbwani, 23. Moses Begi
