Why Amonde is confident of KCB breaking Kabras RFC's Kenya Cup dominance
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Reading Time: 3min | Tue. 28.04.26. | 07:42
KCB last lifted the Kenya Cup in 2021, capping a dominant run that began in 2017, before Kabras took over the mantle
KCB Rugby head coach Andrew Amonde believes the time is right for his side to break Kabras RFC’s dominance ahead of their giant clash in the 2025/26 Kenya Cup final.
The decider is set for Saturday, 9 May at the ASK Kakamega Showground, where Kabras will be chasing yet another title on home soil, having held onto the crown since 2022.
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Their latest statement came on Saturday, 25 April, after a commanding 48-15 win over Kenyatta University Blak Blad to seal their 11th final appearance.
KCB, however, will head to Kakamega fueled with the belief and momentum of their own.
Amonde’s charges powered into the final with a ruthless 52-7 demolition of Nondescripts RFC, a result made even more impressive by the fact that they played most of the match with 14 men following John Aswani’s early red card.
“I have mixed feelings about reaching this final, but it means a lot to us. We fell short last season, so at least we’ve ticked that box this time. Now the focus shifts to facing Kabras on their home turf. We’ll need to prepare mentally.
We have a side capable of going all the way and winning the Kenya Cup; it’s now about taking our chances, working hard for each other, and getting the job done,” he offered.
The former Kenya international pointed to the Nondies victory as a reflection of the team’s growing resilience and character.
“That win was a big one for us. Playing a man down for much of the game was a huge challenge, but the boys stood tall. It speaks volumes about their character they kept pushing, kept scoring tries. If we carry that mentality into the final, I’m confident we’ll put in a strong performance,” he said.
Both sides head into the final unbeaten this season, separated only by points difference, with Kabras finishing top to secure home advantage for both the semi-final and final.
KCB last lifted the Kenya Cup in 2021, capping a dominant run that began in 2017, before Kabras took over the mantle.
But Amonde believes the gap has now closed.
“We’ll keep working hard and stay focused on the small targets we set for ourselves in every game. We’ve already faced Kabras here in Nairobi, so we understand their style of play. Now we have another opportunity to go to Kakamega and prove ourselves again,” he said.
The former Kenya Sevens captain is under no illusions about the task ahead, describing Kabras as a physically imposing and experienced side, especially at home.
“Kabras are a very physical and intimidating side. If we can match that and take it away from them, we’ll be in a good place. They have experience, so we must be clinical with our chances and stay mentally sharp. We’ll keep our heads in the game, take our opportunities, and push them right to the final whistle,” he observed.
Central to the Bankers’ confidence is a long-term rebuilding process that Amonde says is finally bearing fruit.
“We’ve been rebuilding for the past four years, and now we’ve come of age. The boys have stepped up, they’re playing well, and reaching the final is a strong statement of how far we’ve come. We’ve worked incredibly hard this season, with great support from our sponsors. Now it’s up to us to go to Kakamega and fight for that crown,” he added.
KCB will be eager to make amends after their quest for the Enterprise Cup title ended in a narrow 11–10 defeat to Uganda Premiership defending champions Stanbic Bank Pirates.