Kabras Sugar captain George Nyambua and his KCB counterpart Bob Muhati are under pressure.
Their leadership on the pitch will have a major bearing on the outcome for the two local rugby giants, who will be facing off in the Kenya Cup final for the eighth time on Saturday at Kakamega Showground.
Excitement is building towards this epic final, and Nyambua and Muhati are under immense pressure to deliver, as everyone expects them to.
KCB rugby players appreciate their fans after their match against rivals Kabras Sugar was rained off at KCB Sports Club in Nairobi on March 7, 2026.
Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group
Nyambua is set to play in his 11th consecutive Kenya Cup final, having witnessed Kabras Sugar’s growth through thick and thin. In contrast, Muhati is earning the armband for the first time this season.
Having joined KCB in 2022, Muhati is yet to experience Kenya Cup victory with KCB, which has intensified his desire to win the title.
“We have been at this stage before and we know how to manage it. We are not under pressure as we have a solid team with good structures that produce players,” said Nyambua, who is also the Kenya Simbas captain.
He said that great teamwork, led by head coach Carlos Katywa and the management team, as well as the support of sponsors, West Kenya Sugar Company Limited, and the Kakamega community, has led to their success.
He said hard work, trust in systems and processes, and discipline had also contributed to Kabras’ success.
“It’s not easy to remain unbeaten for four seasons, and we are not going to let up now in our quest for a fifth consecutive title. It is coming home by the grace of God,” said Nyambua, who is aiming for his sixth Kenya Cup victory.
“Great teamwork will carry the day, no matter the conditions at the forest. Individual effort counts for less at this time,” said Nyambua, who was quick to acknowledge how KCB have managed to rebuild a strong team.
Muhati said that the team’s hunger to win the Kenya Cup after four seasons without victory has brought passion and determination.
Kabras Sugar RFC player Walter Okoth walk off the pitch after their Kenya Cup match against KCB at KCB Sports Club was abandoned due to heavy rains on March 7, 2026.
Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group
“We have had long seasons of rebuilding, and we believe this is the season when we will reap the benefits,” said Muhati, adding that this success is the result of hard work.
“We are now in a good position to challenge for the trophy, with the boys playing structured game.”
He believes that the team that stays focused from start to finish will win the title. He pointed out that it will take good strategy and focus to edge out the highly physical and intimidating Kabras.
“We need to stay disciplined, play in the right places, and convert every opportunity into points,” he said.
The last time KCB beat Kabras (28–25) in the final was in the 2021 season at Nandi Bears. Since then, the sugar men have dominated, beating KCB 19-9 for the first time in the final during the 2022/23 season.
The two teams met again in the final during the 2023/24 season, with Kabras emerging as winners with a score of 14–10. However, the Western Kenya team had a different opponent in last season’s final: the Menengai Oilers.
Kabras Sugare prevailed, albeit by the skin of their teeth, winning 27–26 at the Kakamega Showground.
Of their seven finals, KCB have won five, with Kabras winning two. The Kenya Rugby Union has appointed veteran referee Constant Cap to oversee the final.
