South Coast Pirates welcome Kabras RFC in high-stakes match as Kenya Cup enters week two

The 2024/25 Kenya Cup enters week two on Saturday 30 November with six matches slated for different venues across the country.

South Coast Pirates vs Kabras RFC

The Pirates will welcome defending champions Kabras RFC in their first-ever Kenya Cup home match slated for the Seacrest Grounds in Ukunda.

They will be seeking redemption after falling 95-5 to KCB Rugby in their maiden Kenya Cup match played at the Ruaraka Grounds last weekend. They will also be hoping to bank on their familiarity with the host Coastal weather to emerge champions.

However, going past a determined Kabras RFC will be an uphill task. The Sugarmen, in anticipation for this match, have included six Simbas in their squad. Their Kenya Cup opener against Impala RFC ended prematurely due to the rains, but this time around they will be keen to showcase their mettle.

What’s even more exciting is the friendly banter that has been brewing between the clubs in the lead-up to the clash. Their social media pages have been on fire, trading witty comebacks and cheeky jabs that have only fueled the anticipation among fans. The lighthearted rivalry has built a buzz around the match, with supporters eagerly counting down to see if the on-field action will live up to the off-field chatter.

KU Blak Blad vs Impala RFC – Kenyatta University 3:00 pm

Kenya Cup newbies Impala RFC will make a short trip to the Kenyatta University Grounds to face rivals Blak Blad. Impala, who are returning to the top tier after two years in the cold, will be looking for more points after their match against Kabras RFC ended 33-6 following heavy rains. They will be keen to pick their first win of the season.

Their opponents Blak Blad are coming off an impressive 27-5 victory over Nakuru RFC in their Kenya Cup opener and they will be looking to extend their fine run.

The match will be officiated by Victor Oduor.

Nakuru RFC vs Kenya Harlequins – Nakuru Athletics Club 4:00 pm

On-form Kenya Harlequin will travel to Nakuru to lock horns with 2014 Kenya Cup champions Nakuru RFC. It is in Nakuru that the Quins were crowned the 2024 National 7s Circuit champions, and the motivation will keep them going. They are coming off an impressive win in their Kenya Cup opener where they defeated Mwamba RFC 55-22 in a match that left no doubts about their intentions this season. They will be keen to shine.

Meanwhile, the hosts Nakuru RFC started the season on a wrong footing and will be hoping to bounce back to winning ways. They will also be looking to utilize the home advantage to emerge victorious.

Mwamba RFC vs Nondescript RFC – RFUEA Grounds 3:00 pm

These familiar foes will face off at the RFUEA Grounds in what promises to be a nail-biting fixture. The hosts Mwamba RFC are coming off a loss in their opening match and will be looking to shine. With a new technical bench, the team will be hoping to leave no points on the pitch.

They will however be up against a determined Nondies RFC who are famous for pulling surprises on the pitch. Nondies are fresh from a narrow 22-13 victory over Strathmore Leos and will be looking to widen the margin.

Shujaa eager to make HSBC World Rugby 7s Series return memorable

Strathmore Leos vs Menengai Oilers – Strathmore University 3:00 pm

Gibson Weru's Menengai Oilers are in the city for their much-anticipated match against Strathmore Leos. Oilers started the month on a high by winning their maiden Impala Floodlights title and will be looking to close it in the same energy with a victory over the Leos. The Nakuru-based outfit is also oozing confidence after heaping a 76-13 misery on Kisumu RFC in the Kenya Cup opener. The match against Strathmore is likely to test their mettle, but they will be keen to shine.

The Leos meanwhile will be hoping to capitalize on the home advantage as they seek their first win of the season. They suffered a narrow loss to Nondies RFC in their Kenya Cup opening match and will be diligently searching for a win.

Kisumu RFC vs KCB Rugby – Kisumu Polytechnic 3:00 pm

Former Kenya Cup champions KCB Rugby are in the lakeside city to lock horns with struggling Kisumu RFC. KCB are coming from an impressive 95-5 victory over Kenya Cup newbies South Coast Pirates and will be keen to keep the momentum going. The hosts Kisumu RFC will be fighting for redemption after failing to sparkle in the opening match against the Oilers.

Mark Mshila opens up on what cost them victory in Kenya Cup opener

Matchday 2/ Saturday 30th November 2024

KU Blak Blad vs Impala RFC – Kenyatta University 3:00 pm

Nakuru RFC vs Kenya Harlequins – Nakuru Athletics Club 4:00 pm

Mwamba RFC vs Nondescript RFC – RFUEA Grounds, 3:00 pm

Strathmore Leos vs Menengai Oilers – Strathmore University 3:00 pm

Kisumu RFC vs KCB Rugby – Kisumu Polytechnic 3:00 pm

South Coast Pirates vs Kabras Sugar – Seacrest Ground, Diani 3:00 pm