Kenya Cup Preview: Edge-of-the-seat action expected as Kabras, KCB battle for final slots
Reading Time: 3min | Sat. 29.03.25. | 09:00
Reigning champions Kabras RFC enter the semifinals as the team to beat, having topped the regular-season standings
The 2024/25 Kenya Cup has reached its crucial semifinal stage, with two highly anticipated clashes set for Saturday 29 March in Kakamega and Nairobi.
Defending champions Kabras RFC will host Nondies RFC, while former champions KCB Rugby face the ever-consistent Menengai Oilers in a battle for a spot in the final.
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Kabras RFC vs Nondies – Kakamega Showground
Reigning champions Kabras RFC enter the semifinals as the team to beat, having topped the regular-season standings and secured a direct spot in the last four for the sixth consecutive year.
The Sugarmen have been a dominant force, remaining unbeaten in over three seasons, and will look to extend their formidable run when they take on Nondies at the Kakamega Showground.
Nondies have made an impressive return to the top flight, reaching the semifinals for the second straight season.
They earned their place in the last four after a commanding 38-22 win over Kenya Harlequin in the playoffs, completing a season double over their old rivals.
Under head coach Calum Oliver, Nondies have now beaten Quins four times in a row since their promotion, proving they are back to compete for top honors.
The last time Kabras and Nondies met in the regular season, on Saturday 15 February, the Sugarmen narrowly edged out their opponents 7-3 in a gritty contest.
With a place in the final at stake, this rematch promises to be another thrilling encounter.
Experienced referee Victor Oduor, officiating his 120th Kenya Cup match, will take charge of the game. He will be assisted by Kevin Wambugu and Robinson Kiplangat.
KCB Rugby vs Menengai Oilers – KCB Sports Club
The second semifinal promises to be an intense battle as KCB Rugby, seeking to reclaim the title they last won in 2021, face Menengai Oilers at the KCB Sports Club in Ruaraka.
The Bankers finished second on the log for the sixth straight season, securing an automatic semifinal spot and reinforcing their status as perennial title contenders.
Their opponents Menengai Oilers have all to play for after reaching their fifth consecutive semifinal.
They kept their title hopes alive with a hard-fought victory over Blak Blad in the playoffs at the Nakuru ASK Grounds. Since their promotion, the Oilers have missed out on the semifinals only in their debut season.
Like the Kabras-Nondies fixture, the last meeting between KCB and Oilers on Saturday 15 February was a close affair, with the Bankers securing a 29-27 victory thanks to a last-minute try. Oilers will be eager to avenge that loss and book their place in the final.
The match will be officiated by Kevin Kioko, a highly regarded referee who attained World Rugby’s Level Three match official accreditation in November. He will be assisted by Godwin Karuga and Constant Cap.
