Can Menengai Oilers break their KCB curse?

Can Menengai Oilers produce yet another magical moment on Saturday?

That is the question as the Nakuru-based side head to KCB Ruaraka Sports Club for their fifth consecutive Kenya Cup semi-final against former champions KCB Rugby.

Eight-time champions KCB and the Oilers—chasing their first-ever title—have met 10 times, with the bankers winning eight of those encounters.

However, the Oilers' two victories over KCB remain memorable. Their most recent triumph was during the 2023/2024 regular season, when they ended KCB’s unbeaten run with a 21-7 win at the Nakuru Showground.

The other was in the 2021/2022 semi-final, where the Oilers shocked KCB 24-17 at Ruaraka, ending the bankers’ four-year dominance.

Despite that historic win, the Oilers fell short in the final, losing 34-28 to Kabras Sugar at the Bullring in Kakamega. That was the closest they have come to lifting the prestigious Kenya Cup trophy.

Their most recent clash this season was a tight affair, but KCB edged out Oilers 29-27 at Ruaraka on February 22. The Oilers had led 15-12 at halftime and extended their lead to 22-12 deep into the second half before capitulating.

Oilers captain Ibrahim Ayoo, a second-row forward, vividly remembers the historic semi-final win at Ruaraka in the 2021/2022 season.

“I was then 22, and the feeling was great. It was our first time to break through to the final and play at the highest level,” said Ayoo yesterday. “It was the best moment of my playing career.”

Now, Ayoo insists that his players are not just chasing another final slot—they want the Kenya Cup trophy.

“I was with them for the morning gym session, and I can tell you they want to bring it home. They are tired of waiting,” said Ayoo.

The Oilers' struggles against KCB have often come in the closing moments of matches, having led in several encounters before losing late on.

“We have had a fallout in our set-pieces, but we have polished that and are ready for business. We have good finishers,” said Ayoo, warning that KCB should expect a big surprise.

The Oilers, who began the season on a high by winning their maiden Impala Floodlit title in November, are now chasing a treble. They will also face Kabras Sugar in the Enterprise Cup final.

KCB co-captain Jacob Ojee acknowledged the threat posed by the Oilers, particularly their ability to capitalize on penalties.

“Oilers have always thrived on penalties, so we will try to avoid infringement at the rucks and kick the ball for territorial dominance,” said Ojee.

He added that KCB’s strategy will be to keep the ball in Oilers’ territory to limit their scoring chances.

“We shall keep the ball into their end so as to avoid giving them easy points. They are good in scrums, but we shall match them and also maximize on our lineouts, which are our strength,” explained the KCB winger.

With history and recent form pointing to a closely contested tie, the question remains—can the Oilers finally break the KCB curse and reach the Kenya Cup final?