It’s semifinal Saturday in the Kenya Cup, with the promise of a spot in the final awaiting the victors of the matches in Kakamega and Nairobi.
The defending champions, Kabras Sugar, are in familiar territory, marking their ninth consecutive semifinal appearance as they pursue their fourth overall title. Their dominance throughout the season has been evident, topping the regular season standings flawlessly, winning all 11 matches, including a commanding 40-0 victory over 17-time champions Nondescripts, their opponents in the semifinal at the Kakamega Showground. With such form, Kabras enter as clear favorites, while Nondies, in their first season back from the second tier, have surprised many by reaching the final four, notably with a dramatic 26-20 win over Kenya Harlequin in the previous weekend’s playoff.
Kabras will undoubtedly aim for their trademark explosive start, relying on Ntabeni Dukisa’s control at flyhalf and George Nyambua’s physicality in the forwards. However, Nondies, led by the resilient eighthman and captain Steve Odhiambo, have proven their mettle and will need to dig deep against the defending champions to secure a spot in their first-ever Kenya Cup final.
Meanwhile, at Ruaraka, KCB and Menengai Oilers clash for the fourth consecutive time in a Kenya Cup semifinal since 2021. Their recent encounter in matchday 10 saw Oilers clinch a 21-7 victory at the Nakuru Showground. With a final berth at stake, this matchup promises intense competition, with particular focus on the battle between scrumhalves Samuel Asati of KCB and Samson Onsomu of the Oilers, a pivotal factor in shaping the outcome of the fixture.
In the historical context, KCB holds the edge in semifinal encounters against the Oilers, having won the initial meeting 38-20 in 2021, suffering a 24-17 defeat in 2022, and bouncing back with a convincing 35-17 victory in last season’s semifinal.
