We head into match day four with a total of seven fixtures on the cards. The Total Nondies- Homeboyz encounter has already been previewed in previous posts on this site and we turn our attention to Saturday’s matches, starting with the Kenyatta University double headers.
Mwamba v Catholic Monks – 2.00pm –Kenyatta University, Nairobi
Mwamba lie fourth on the log, having got off to a blinding start with a 40-29 home result over Resolution Impala Saracens on match day. They fell to a 16-15 loss to Western Bulls in Kakamega on match day two before bouncing back to defeat Total Nondies 43-13 on match day three.
Morale at Kulabu is high, Head Coach John Mbai and his technical bench having blooded in youth and experience.
Indeed the presence of the seasoned Collins Injera and Lavin Asego as well as exciting youngsters Brad Odwako, Greg Odhiambo and Shaban Ahmed has given the black shirts that extra spring in their step.
The Catholic Monks are in their debut season and finding life in the country’s top division tough. They have conceded over 40 points per game. They have gathered some positives during their Kenya Cup adventure, scoring one try and four penalties in their three outings and will be out to make things difficult for a Mwamba side who are overwhelming favorites for the win.
Blak Blad v Top Fry Nakuru – 4.00pm – Kenyatta University, Nairobi
The students from Kenyatta University welcome the defending league champions to their home turf, looking to throw cause an upset and open up the race for play off slots.
Despite losing, Blad have been competitive in their three outings to date. They threatened a comeback against Quins, eventually falling to a 32-14 defeat and led Strathmore 15-14 before losing 35-15. They put up a spirited display against KCB, the 60-10 score line notwithstanding.
Nakuru are making use of the depth within their set up, giving more players first team action in the earlier, “easier” rounds of the competition. This bodes well in terms of exposure and also allows for the trial of combinations and partnerships.
The Wanyore currently lie second on the log boasting three wins from three. They are incidentally the league’s highest scorers, only second because they have collected one less bonus point than Strathmore.
Head Coach Dominique Habimana has brought a strong squad to Nairobi, a blend of youth and experience as he seeks to keep his side in the top three as the season wears on.
Mombasa Sports Club v Kabras Sugar – 4.00pm – Mombasa Sports Club, Mombasa
Bottom of the table Mombasa welcome league debutantes Kabras to the Mombasa Sports Club for this match day four fixture. Mombasa, winless after three outings, have leaked in a league topping 220 points and will be hard pressed to control the damage.
Kabras have made the 841km road trip from Kakamega and will look to leave Mombasa with a big win as they press on with their ambitions of making the playoffs in their maiden season.
Western Bulls v Kenya Harlequin – 4.00pm – Kakamega High School, Kakamega
The Bulls are enjoying their best ever start to a Kenya Cup season, two wins on the trot, claiming the scalps of Nondies (19-17 on match day one) and Mwamba (16-15 on match day two). Homeboyz burst their bubble with a 25-17 result but the Kakamega based side have definitely grown in stature and will fancy their chances against a Quins side that also had its unbeaten record broken courtesy of a 33-22 loss to Impala.
Bulls are a tough nut to crack in Kakamega and will certainly fancy their chances against Quins.
Mean Machine v KCB – Impala Club – 4.00pm – Impala Club, Nairobi
Mean Machine host KCB at the Impala Club in the opening fixture of a match day four double header. The varsity students, Kenya Cup champions in 1977, 1989 and 1990 lie second from bottom three matches into the campaign. They have been severely affected by a player exodus that has greatly depleted their player base. They have also not beaten KCB in the Kenya Cup since the 2001 season.
KCB are currently third on the log, boasting three wins from three outings. They will be out to extend their 13 year dominance against Machine as they look to consolidate their place in the top three.
Resolution Impala Saracens v Pan Africa Strathmore Leos – 7.00pm – Impala Club, Nairobi
A resurgent Resolution Impala Saracens welcome league leaders Pan Africa Strathmore Leos to the Impala Club for Saturday’s late kick off under the Impala lights. The hosts have been competitive all through, starting their campaign with a 40-29 loss to Mwamba before bouncing back to first beat Homeboyz 45-7 before silencing their bitter rivals and next door neighbors Kenya Harlequin 33-22 in the Ngong Road derby on match day three.
The Leos have been in fine form too, topping the table by virtue of three consecutive bonus point wins. Saturday night’s clash is probably their sternest test yet and will serve as one of a few more inquisitions into their title credentials.
This is sure to be the match of the weekend.