KCB and Kabras Sugar coaches have resorted to mind games ahead of their highly anticipated Kenya Cup clash at KCB Sports Club, popularly known as the “Lion’s Den” in Ruaraka, Nairobi, today
KCB’s coach, Andrew Amonde, has kept faith in the side that thumped Menengai Oilers 25-15 last Saturday in Nakuru. He has only made one change to the team, while his Kabras counterpart, Carlos Katywa, who bemoaned injuries and fatigue of key players, has not revealed his squad selection.
Amonde, a former Kenya Sevens and Kenya Simbas forward, has brought in Shujaa star Vincent Onyala at right wing, replacing William Opaka, in the only change to his team from last weekend.
Katywa has not been happy with his team’s last two results, where they beat Kenyatta University’s Blak Blad 26-16, and Nondescripts 25-8.
KCB Rugby coach Andrew Amonde during their Kenya Cup match against Strathmore University at Ruaraka KCB Sports Club on December 6, 2025
Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group
Kabras and KCB are the only unbeaten teams in the Kenya Cup, 10 rounds of matches into the season.
Katywa disclosed that, in addition to kicker and playmaker Jone Kubu still recovering from leg surgery, he was also grappling with the fitness of key players George Nyambua, Edwin Sifuna, and Brian Tanga.
Katywa added that Brian Mutua, Jackson Siketi and Rayvon Ambale were also injured, forcing him to rethink his approach to the game today and beyond. “Having nine starting players injured isn’t easy. My players are not in the right frame of mind and are tired. We have not lost a single match in four seasons,” said Katywa. “We are burning out, but that isn’t an excuse since we are not done yet.”
Kabras Sugar have won six times, with one match ending in a 15-15 stalemate in 2016.
It took five years before Kabras Sugar could beat KCB, in a 19-6 victory on November 29, 2019 at KCB Sports Club. The bankers have not beaten the sugar millers since their 28-20 triumph in 2022.
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 Sugar return to Ruaraka for the first time since beating KCB 29-23 on February 18, 2023.
Katywa, who has not lost to KCB since taking charge from the 2022/2023 season, is not taking the bankers lightly.
“KCB have managed to regroup, and they are playing good rugby. It will be tight, and the team that dominates possession will win,” said Katywa.
Amonde also predicted a close encounter that could be decided by little details. Who will blink first?
