KCB look to maintain lead in Kenya Cup
Kenya Harlequin’s Leeon Nyang charges past Impala’s Sultan Mikael during their Kenya Cup match on January 11, 2025 at RFUEA ground.
What you need to know:
- Two other teams also remained unbeaten - Kenya Harlequin and Nondescripts-with Quins stomping neighbours Impala 48-12 to prevail in the Ngong Road derby at the RFUEA. Nondies pipped Kenyatta University’s Blak Blad 23-3 at the varsity’s ground.
- Quins are fourth with 19 points and are followed by Nondies with 17 points.
KCB head coach Oliver Mang’eni is optimistic but cautious as his team prepares to face former Kenya Cup champions Nakuru at the Nakuru Athletic Club on Saturday.
In his first season as head coach, Mang’eni admitted his team is yet to face a stern test, but is pleased with their progress.
“There is something we are working on, and that is why we are scoring as many tries as possible. It’s within our plan,” said Mang’eni.
“We are trying to get fitter and more physical, and I am glad that we are settling and jellying after trying out several combinations,” he added.
Mang’eni expressed satisfaction with how his players are embracing his philosophy and adapting to his strategy.
“It’s just a matter of time before we attain our goals with the right execution and what is good for the club,” he said.
Eight-time champions KCB, who last won the Kenya Cup in 2021, returned to the top of the standings with 20 points.
Their latest triumph was an emphatic 80-22 victory over Mwamba at RFUEA Ground last Saturday, marking their fourth consecutive bonus-point win. Winger Jacob Ojee stole the show, scoring four of KCB’s 14 tries.
Second row Davis Chenge and flanker Laban Kipsang each added two tries, as KCB continued their dominant form.
Mwamba, struggling for consistency, managed three tries. Captain Salaton Muturi cited limited training time as a setbac, but expressed optimism after securing a new training ground at the Goan Institute in Pangani.
Great Rift Derby
“We just need to put in more training sessions, and all will be good. We are not where we wanted to be, but the Kenya Cup is a long season. Our target is to avoid the relegation zone as much as possible,” said Muturi.
While KCB lead on aggregate, they are tied at 20 points with Kabras Sugar and Menengai Oilers, who also remain unbeaten.
Defending champions Kabras Sugar dominated Strathmore University Leos, leading 33-5 at halftime before a 45-5 win at the Madaraka ground. Menengai Oilers triumphed in the Great Rift derby, defeating Nakuru 32-15 after leading 19-7 at the break.
Two other teams also remained unbeaten - Kenya Harlequin and Nondescripts-with Quins stomping neighbours Impala 48-12 to prevail in the Ngong Road derby at the RFUEA. Nondies pipped Kenyatta University’s Blak Blad 23-3 at the varsity’s ground.
Quins are fourth with 19 points and are followed by Nondies with 17 points.
