Kenya Cup action returns this weekend after breaking for the festive season.
We are technically heading into the business end as the push for playoff slots and survival from relegation take center stage over the next few weeks.
The Nakuru derby takes center stage this Saturday as last season’s losing finalists Menengai Oilers host two time champions Nakuru at the Refinery.
The two sides are experiencing contrasting form, the Oilers sitting pretty in second place, undefeated in their four previous matches while Nakuru are placed eighth with just the one win from their four matches to date. Much as derbies elicit all sorts of emotions and reactions, Oilers head into this clash as firm favorites.
Despite the favorites tag being given to Oilers, it will be recalled that their last meeting was one that was interesting, Nakuru registering an important win to keep their Kenya Cup status and against an Oilers side that had already punched a ticket to the playoffs.
Expect both teams to give their all when they step on to the turf at the Refinery as Oilers home ground at Nakuru Showground is referred to.
The all varsity clash between Mean Machine and Masinde Muliro at the University of Nairobi ground is another intriguing fixture. These two sides are at the bottom of the table and the result on Saturday will be key in defining survival hopes for either side.
Catholic Monks registered an upset victory over Mwamba just before the Christmas break but face a different proposition in a resurgent Kenya Harlequin side who will make the visit to the Catholic University grounds.
Defending champions Kabras Sugar shall entertain Homeboyz in Kakamega in what should be relatively straightforward fixture for the sugar men as leaders KCB will have to be wary of a Blak Blad side that pays them a visit at Ruaraka.
Two sides experiencing indifferent form are paired up as Strathmore Leos and Mwamba face off at Ruaraka. Strathmore, after back to back playoff qualifications, have stuttered this season, winning just one of their three matches to date while Mwamba have won two and lost two, including an inexplicable 24-23 loss to league returnees Catholic Monks just before the break. It will be interesting to see the outcome from this fixture.
View the league standings here https://www.kenyacup.co.ke/standings
