Former champions KCB may have overcome Menengai Oilers last Saturday in Nakuru, but they face a major challenge against title holders Kabras Sugar this Saturday at their Ruaraka Sports Club home ground.
KCB descended into the Great Rift Valley, still smarting from their three previous defeats at the hands of Menengai Oilers last season -- one in the Kenya Cup, one in the Enterprise Cup, and one in the Impala Floodlit.
During the Kenya Cup regular season, things were tight, with KCB snatching a dramatic 29-27 victory against the Oilers at the last moment. However, Gibson Weru’s team turned the tables in the semi-finals in Ruaraka, stunning KCB 31-8 to reach the Kenya Cup final for the second time.
The Oilers went on to defeat KCB 25-21 in the Enterprise Cup semi-finals to set up a final clash against Kabras Sugar in both the Enterprise Cup and the Kenya Cup, which they lost 33-12 and 27-26, respectively.
Kabras Sugar Rugby FC captain George Nyambua charges against a KCB opponent during Enterprise Cup finals at RFUEA grounds on June 8, 2024,
Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group
However, under their new head coach, Andrew Amonde, the bankers approached the ‘Suguta Valley’ derby with a different mindset, defeating the Oilers 25-15 at the Nakuru ASK Showground on Saturday.
This victory saw the eight-time Kenya Cup champions climb one place to second in the 12-team Kenya Cup standings, with 43 points.
KCB and leaders Kabras Sugar are now the only teams yet to concede this season, but it is the Western Kenya sugar millers who top the table with 45 points from nine bonus-point victories.
On Saturday, Carlos Katywa’s team extended their unbeaten run into a fourth season by beating the visiting Nondescripts 25–8 at the Kakamega Showground.
There are two rounds of matches left to complete the regular season. The top two teams will secure home semi-finals, while the next four will proceed to the semi-final play-offs.
Kabras Sugar and KCB are currently in a strong position to secure semi-finals victories, while Menengai Oilers (40 points), Strathmore Leos (26), Kenyatta University’s Blak Blad (23) and Daystar University’s Falcon (21) are in the semi-final play-off zone.
Menengai Oilers’ Samuel Ovuamu is tackled by Nakuru RFC players during their Kenya Cup Nakuru derby at the Refinery Ground in Nakuru County on January 17, 2026. Oilers won 48-10.
Photo credit: Boniface Mwangi | Nation Media Group
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) and Kisumu, with 10 and eight points respectively, are hovering in the relegation zone.
“The rains ruined what would have been a good game in Nakuru, but we adapted well and played in the right places to get the result,” said Amonde, explaining that the victory was a reflection of how his players had matured mentally and physically.
“The players’ belief was different from previous years. They have come of age,’ he added, stating that now is the right time for them to assert their prowess against Kabras, whom they will be facing at home for the first time in four years.
KCB last beat Kabras Sugar during the 2021/22 season, on February 26, 2022, with a score of 28–20. Amonde said that both teams have good set plays, but the side that takes their chances first will win the match.
Kabras Sugar RFC coach Carlos Katywa celebrates after his team beat KCB 29-5 in the final of the Kenya Cup league at kakamega showground on April 6, 2024.
Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group
Kabras coach Carlos Katywa, who has not lost to KCB since taking charge in the 2022/23 season, recognises KCB’s resurgence, saying that many had written them off.
“They have quickly come of age, and a wounded lion is the worst to encounter. The team that holds the ball for the longest time will win. It will be a game of inches, and whoever converts them into centimeters will win,” said Katywa.
On Saturday, Strathmore Leos and Blak Blad won their respective varsity derbies. The Leos beat Must 32–12, while the Blad edged out the Daystar Falcons 18–10.
Quins reigned supreme in the Ngong Road derby, beating Impala 25–15, while Nakuru got the better of Kisumu 20–10.
This Saturday, Menengai Oilers and Nondies will host varsity sides Mmust and Daystar Falcons, respectively, while Strathmore will play away at Nakuru.
