Clash of Titans: Kabras, KCB battle for Enterprise Cup glory

Rugby fans across the country are gearing up for a nerve-wracking day as the Enterprise Cup finals take centre stage on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at the RFUEA Grounds.

Defending champions Kabras RFC will lock horns with arch-rivals KCB Rugby in the match, which will kick off at 4 pm.

Kabras are aiming for a fourth consecutive Kenya Cup final.

They have been in sleek form this season, having gone unbeaten in all their matches and won the Kenya Cup title.

They will be looking to stage a repeat of last year’s final, where they defeated KCB 30-27 on the same grounds.

The upcoming match allows the Sugarmen to extend their unbeaten streak and solidify their dominance over the bankers.

It will be the 85th Enterprise Cup final since the tournament’s inception in 1930, having not been played between 1940 and 1946 due to World War II, 1987 due to the All-African Games, and between 2020-21 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 2012 final was not played following a dispute involving the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) and the teams Impala, Nondescripts, and Kenya Harlequin.

The KRU then awarded the title to KCB, who ultimately rejected it.

Kabras won the title in 2019, 2022, and 2023, while KCB boasts of winning it in 2004, 2007, 2015, 2016, and 2017 and will be keen to end their seven-year title drought.

To proceed to this stage, the Sugarmen defeated Nondies 54-8, while KCB saw off Kenya Harlequin 32-18.

Speaking ahead of the match, Kabras head coach Carlos Kyatwa was concerned that they only played a match before the semifinals. Their season has been characterized by walkovers.

“It will be a big game. KCB is fortunate to have been playing Enterprise for two games, unlike us, who only had the semis. They have a fully fit, fledged side, so it’s going to be an interesting one. We have to be smart about how we go about business with them,” he said.

Edwin Achayo discloses how Kabras won Enterprise Cup title

On his side, KCB's coach, Mariko Mshilla, was confident that his charges would down the Sugarmen to be crowned the champions.

“It has been two weeks before we played a match and I could not be prouder of the team for executing our game plan. The boys looked a bit rusty but we will embark on rigorous training next week ahead of the showdown. I am optimistic that we will take a stab at the sixth title and win it,” he averred.

Victor Oduor takes charge of this match, with Innocent Kimathi and Kevin Wambugu serving as the assistant referees.

The match will be curtain-raised by a KRU Nationwide League final between Zetech Oaks and TUM Marines at 1.00 pm at the same venue.

KCB VS KABRAS SQUADS

Kabras Sugar: 15. Eric Cantona, 14. Alfred Orege, 13. Ntabeni Dukisa, 12. Walter Okoth, 11. Humphrey Asiligwa, 10. Barry Robinson, 9. Dan Ang’ wech, 1. Edward Mwaura, 2. Eugene Sifuna, 3. Ephraim Oduor, 4. Patrick Lumumba, 5. Clinton Litali, 6. George Nyambua (c), 7. William Mwanji, 8. Jeanson Misoga REPLACEMENTS 16. Teddy Akala, 17. Emmanuel Otieno, 18. Gabriel Adero, 19. Collins Indeche, 20. Biden Hayo, 21. Collins Osore, 22. James Olela, 23. Hillary Salano

KCB Rugby: 15. Darwin Mukidza, 14. Elphas Adunga, 13. Festus Shiasi, 12. Michael Wamalwa, 11. Jacob Ojee, 10. Elvis Namusasi, 9. Michael Wanjala, 1. Nick Okullo, 2. Griffin Musila (c), 3. Wilhite Mususi, 4. Davis Chenge, 5. Andycole Omollo, 6. Manasseh Oduor, 7. Elvis Olukusi, 8. Martin Owillah REPLACEMENTS 16. Fidel Maina, 17. TJ Okidia, 18. Nelson Nyandat, 19. Emmanuel Silungi, 20. Felix Ojow, 21. Emmanuel Opondo, 22. Levy Amunga, 23. Shaban Ahmed

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