Abukuse returns to action after shaking off head injury as Kenya Cup enters week three

Kenya 7s International Dennis Abukuse has finally returned to playing after a long battle with a career-threatening injury.

Abukuse will be in action when Menengai Oilers welcome stubborn Strathmore Leos on Saturday 16 at the Refinery.

Abukuse's immediate playing future was in serious doubt since he picked up a knock during Christie 7s match against Nondies RFC.

The injury was his first since he started his rugby career, forcing him to take a ‘mandatory rest’, as he described.

Speaking to Mozzart Sport, the Menengai player noted that reuniting with his fellow players was an overwhelming feeling. He also said that he was itching to make a remarkable comeback.

"I am happy and grateful to God for another chance to represent. I missed everything about rugby. I will motivate fellow players so as to achieve this year's goals. I can't promise something big because it's my first game after injury so I'll just do my best," elated Abukuse said.

According to Oilers tactician Gibson Weru, Abukuse stepped in to replace Johnstone Mung’au, who is currently unavailable due to family commitments.

Weru pointed out that Abukuse’s presence in the team will provide a boost to the backline, offering added momentum and strength to that part of the squad.

“Abukuse is back, so that gives us a bit of impetus in the back line. He replaces Johnstone Mung’au who is away on family commitment,” Weru told the club's media.

Weru also expressed confidence in the squad selected and the changes made in the team’s squad, noting that they are going to grant them the results they want.

“We have selected aside that we feel is capable of giving us the results that we want. A few changes to the starting lineup. We have tried to freshen up the squad as well as giving opportunities to players who have not played. Coleman (Were) starts for the first time this season and so does Shitundo,” he added.

“They (Strathmore) are a quality side, a side that has always given us a difficult time. They are quite good in terms of quality and we know they will give us a challenge, but we feel that we have worked hard in training to give ourselves an opportunity to win,” he added.

Coach Kyatwa hopeful Kabras will rise to the occasion in Kenya Cup week three action

The coach was also proud of the preparation they have made ahead of Kenya Cup round three and they are looking forward to the Strathmore’s challenge.

“I am very happy with the preparations we have had this week in terms of how we played and the areas we needed to improve. The big focus point has been on improvement and how we want to play. I think our defense was positive last week against Mwamba, we still feel there are areas we can improve but we are looking forward to the Strathmore challenge,” he added.

Kabras RFC VS CUEA Monks - ASK Kakamega Showground, 3PM

In other Kenya Cup matches, Kenya Cup defending champions Kabras RFC will host Catholic University of East Africa (CUEA) Monks at the ASK Kakamega Showground. The Sugarmen will be out to extend their winning streak. They defeated Kenya Cup newbies Nondies RFC 40-0 last weekend. Their opponents CUEA Monks will be seeking redemption after losing 79-19 to KCB Rugby in their second match of the 2023/24 Kenya Cup fixture match played at the CUEA grounds, Lang'ata.

KCB Rugby VS Homeboyz RFC - Ruaraka Grounds, 3PM

KCB Rugby too will be looking for another win when they welcome Homeboyz RFC at the KCB Sports Club later in the day. The Bankers who opened their season on a high notch will be keen to keep the fire burning. Homeboyz RFC on the other hand will be praying to end their misery, but they anticipate an uphill task against the fine-tuned Bankers.

Kenya Harlequins VS Mwamba RFC - RFUEA Grounds, 4PM

Kenya Harlequins too are a force to be reckoned with this season. The side is coming from a 52-3 victory over Homeboyz RFC in last weekend's fixture. They will be oozing confidence when they welcome winless Mwamba RFC. The latter are coming from a 67-0 defeat in the hands of Menengai Oilers and will be on a revenge mission.

Blak Blad RFC VS Nakuru RFC - Blad Bin, 3PM

Blak Blad RFC will host Nakuru RFC at the Kenyatta University Grounds in what will be a fixture of ages. The students will be out to avenge after a narrow 21-16 loss to fellow students Strathmore Leos in last weekend's crunch fixture. Their opponents Nakuru RFC will also be out to extend their winning streak after a narrow 25-20 defeat over struggling Kisumu RFC.

Nondies RFC VS Kisumu RFC - RFUEA Grounds 2PM

Kenya Cup newbies Kisumu RFC will be praying for survival when they lock horns with injured Nondies RFC later in the day. Both sides have not tasted a win since the season began and will be keen to impress. Nondies RFC started their campaign with stronger teams; KCB Rugby and Kabras RFC who defeated them 45-8 and 40-0 respectively. They will be looking to bounce back to winning ways.

Kenya Cup numbers: Ogeta leads try-scoring charts entering Week Three

KENYA CUP MATCH DAY 3

Saturday 16 December 2023

Kabras Sugar v Catholic Monks- Kakamega Showground (3:00 pm)

KCB v Homeboyz- KCB Sports Club (3:00 pm)

Kenya Harlequin v Mwamba- RFUEA Grounds (4:00 pm)

Menengai Oilers v Strathmore Leos- Nakuru Showground (3:00 pm)

Blak Blad v Nakuru- Kenyatta University Grounds (3:00 pm)

Nondescript v Kisumu- RFUEA Grounds (2:00 pm)