The Strathmore University sports grounds in Madaraka, or “The Cage” for the rest of this conversation, will be the venue for an exciting double header, one that is sure to give fans value for their money, and loads of content for any rugby journo worth their salt.
Why is this so? Well, because champions KCB, currently fourth on the log, come up against playoff chasers Mwamba in the opening fixture. This match will then pave the way for the match between hosts Pan Africa Strathmore Leos who lie fifth on the log and third placed Top Fry Nakuru.
Let’s break down the fixtures
KCB v Mwamba, 2.00pm
Matches between these two sides are always exciting and Saturday’s clash should be no different. In fact, the fight for the Top Six playoffs gives clash a lot more prominence.
Champions KCB sit fourth on the log after has been a roller coaster sixteen previous weeks for them. They have in one breath been good and poor and must get over the inconsistencies and strike the right vein of form with the league phase going into its business end.
Ken Moseti has been a key player for the bankers this term, whether playing as an emergency fly half, in midfield or at fullback. He will once again be called upon to rally the team alongside Darwin Mukidza who it goes without saying has been the side’s mister reliable, popping up with crucial interventions in the form of tries and penalties while youngster James Kilonzo who has owned the outside center position this term will again be in the fray.
Lavin Asego will be Mwamba’s go to guy, pulling the strings while seeking to bring the likes of Brad Owako and Greg Odhiambo into play with Louis Kisia, Salaton Muturi and Edwin Machanje using their collective experience to rally Mwamba’s forwards into unsettling their KCB opponents.
A win for KCB will certainly keep them in the Top Six while further complicating Mwamba’s chances. It therefore goes without saying that it is Mwamba with the hill to climb, or is it vault to raid? and the Kulabu family will definitely be following this game with their hearts, minds and calculators to work out the team’s chances of making the Top Six at the close of business on Saturday.
Pan Africa Strathmore Leos v Top Fry Nakuru, 4.00pm
Undoubtedly a top draw fixture and most fittingly the last match of the day at The Cage. Both sides have been tentative this campaign, the Leos more so blowing hot and cold and finding themselves needing a win against the Wanyore to stave off the attentions of the chasing pack of Kabras, Menengai Cream Homeboyz and Mwamba as they seek to entrench themselves in the Top Six and savor playoff action come April 23rd.
They will look to the leadership and experience of Kenya Simbas captain Brian Nyikulli and Jared Owinyo in the forwards while counting on the craft and ingenuity of Dennis Juma, Hum Owuor and Alex Olaba in the backs.
The Wanyore have in recent weeks worked their way up to third on the log, disposing of their opponents with ruthless efficiency but the Leos clash is likely to be a different kettle of fish for the two time champions.
The unassuming Edwins Makori has continued to be a standout player for Nakuru, offering leadership and battling from the back row alongside Dallo Chituyi and Charlton while Henry Ayah has looked at home at fly half in the continued absence of Martin Muita. These are just some of the players expected to lead Nakuru’s charge against the Leos.