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How MMUST aim to redeem themselves following consecutive Kenya Cup relegations
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Reading Time: 3min | Tue. 31.03.26. | 15:00
After being relegated in the 2023/24 campaign, they fought their way back up at the end of 2024/25, only to suffer yet another drop just a season later
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) Rugby are, once again, staring at life outside the top tier after suffering relegation from the Kenya Cup following a heavy 50-7 defeat to Nondies RFC on Saturday, 28 March.
The result not only confirmed the students’ drop but also handed the Red Lions a crucial boost, sealing their place in the playoffs as MMUST bid farewell to the league they had only just rejoined at the start of the 2025/26 season.
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For MMUST, the outcome continues a troubling cycle that has defined their recent seasons.
After being relegated in the 2023/24 campaign, they fought their way back up at the end of 2024/25, only to suffer yet another drop just a season later.
It is a pattern head coach John Asila is now determined to break.
“This is not where we want to be,” Asila admitted.
“We’ve been here before, so we understand what it takes to stay up. Our goal now is consistency, not this cycle of promotion and relegation. There was a time we stayed in the top tier for three years, and that’s the standard we want to get back to,” he continued.
Despite the disappointing outcome, the campaign was not without its positives.
MMUST managed notable home victories over Kisumu RFC (25-12) and Impala RFC (20-15), offering glimpses of their potential.
However, inconsistent performances ultimately proved costly, particularly in tight home fixtures where they fell short against Strathmore Leos (12-32), Nakuru RFC (19-25), and Daystar Falcons (20-19).
According to Asila, the team’s struggles can largely be attributed to significant player turnover, which left the squad lacking experience at the highest level.
“We’ve had a big turnover of players, but we are now beginning to stabilize. This is a very young team, and playing in the Kenya Cup was a new experience for many of them. They have gained valuable exposure, and now we can start building. When we return, we will be more stable,” he explained.
The narrow loss to Daystar Falcons, in particular, underlined the fine margins that defined MMUST’s season, matches that could have easily swung in their favor but instead contributed to their downfall.
“Our home games could have been a turning point for us, but sometimes things don’t go your way. We accept it and move forward,” he offered.
While relegation is a bitter pill to swallow, the MMUST coach is choosing to focus on the long-term gains, emphasizing growth, lessons learned, and the promise within his youthful squad.
“It’s not satisfying, but there are plenty of lessons for the players and for me as well. That’s the most important thing. There is a lot of talent in this team, and the future of the Kenya Cup is in these players. We just need to keep working,” he said.
MMUST will now shift focus to the National 7s Circuit set to kick off in July.