Why Blak Blad are not under pressure ahead of their clash with Kabras
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Reading Time: 3min | Wed. 22.04.26. | 17:39
The students fell 26-16 in their last meeting with Kabras, who head to the semis as the pre-match favourites
Kenyatta University's Blak Blad may be staring at one of the toughest assignments in Kenyan rugby, but pressure is the last thing on their minds.
Blad are preparing to face defending champions Kabras RFC in the Kenya Cup semifinals on Saturday, 25 April at the ASK Kakamega Showground.
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Fresh from a hard-fought 27-22 victory over Strathmore Leos, the students have already etched their names in history by reaching their maiden semifinal in the club’s 50-year existence.
It is a milestone that head coach Benard Rotich believes has freed his side from any form of expectation.
“The match against Kabras will all come down to mindset. We shall regroup, talk, and decide how to approach it. We have no pressure whatsoever because we have already overachieved,” Rotich told Mozzart Sport.
Blak Blad’s semifinal berth was secured through grit and resilience, qualities that were on full display during their narrow win over Strathmore.
Rotich pointed to the final stages of that match as the defining moment.
“Of course, being a playoff, it was always going to be a very close contest. The difference for us, I suppose, came in the last 20 minutes, where we kept them in their half. The boys showed great resilience in both mindset and physicality, in attack and defence,” he explained.
Despite the tight scoreline, the tactician felt his side had control for large spells of the match.
“We actually had a better start, and for the most part, with the ball in hand and off the ball, we were equally good. Territory and discipline cost us in the first half because we would build pressure, then allow them an easy exit back into our half. Overall, though, we were more dominant and managed to shut down their wide attack,” he offered.
“The whole second half, we did well, especially the last 23 minutes or so,” he continued.
The victory was not just about tactics, but also about belief, something the gaffer says has been built over time.
“For us, it is a dream come true. To God be the glory for using us to tell His story and what He can do. It is His journey; He prepared us and has taken us through this process over the last three seasons,” he said.
Blak Blad’s depth also proved crucial, with substitutes injecting energy at a decisive moment.
“Our substitutes were massive in bringing energy in the last 20 minutes. Throughout the game, Brian Kidake and Collins Obure also gave us the reason to push on; they were playing for us, and we were playing for them,” he said.
Now, all eyes turn to Kabras, who edged Blad 26-16 in their last meeting in February in a match that did not pass without alleged controversy over officiating decisions.
Still, Rotich insists the focus is internal.
“It is all about mindset and belief,” he said.
The coach also took time to acknowledge the support system behind the team’s historic run.
“We really appreciate Kenyatta University for the support, our old boys, our loyal Wanyudhee fans, and most importantly, God, the giver and sustainer of this talent. To God be the glory,” he said.
Should Blak Blad pull off a major upset against Kabras, they will face the winner of the other semifinal clash between KCB Rugby and Nondescripts RFC in the final.