Champions renew rivalry with KCB in Kenya Cup final today

Three-time champions Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) take on defending champions Nakuru in the Kenya Cup final at the RFUEA grounds Saturday afternoon.

The two giants met in the Enterprise Cup final at the same venue six weeks ago where Nakuru claimed their sixth Cup success with an 18-13 win over the bankers.

Nakuru scored five tries, a penalty and conversions to edge out Strathmore Leos 30-16 at the Nakuru Athletic Club, while KCB scored three converted tries to crush Kenya Harlequin 24-8 at RFUEA to set up today’s final.

Nakuru have dominated KCB in the recent past, but this statistic may not necessarily be important today.

Nakuru beat KCB 24-10 in the normal league match, but Wanyore coach Dominique Habimana says the win is already water under the bridge.

“We have put the Enterprise Cup and league victories behind us. We are now concentrating on the Kenya Cup final because we know KCB will come in a different side,” said Habimana.

KCB coach Curtis Olago is rallying his charges to concentrate.

“I want them to make this game a memorable one. We’ll try out everything there is in rugby,” Olago said.

Nakuru made history last year when they became the first team from outside Nairobi to clinch the Kenya Cup after beating Strathmore 37-3.

KEEPING FAITH

KCB, who last held the trophy in 2007, are seeking their fourth Cup title. Habimana has kept faith in most of the players that won their maiden title in 2013. Eighth man Lawrence Buyachi is out with an injury and has been replaced by Martin Owila.

Mike Okombe and Nick Lang’o complete the back row.

Edwin Makori will captain Nakuru from the second row alongside Philip Kwame,  while Giles Littlewood, Sammy Warui and Isaiah Nyariki form Wanyore’s front row.

Former Kenya Sevens vice captain Gibson Weru and  Calvin Otieno will pair up at half back, Weru playing at scrum half with Muita pulling the strings at fly half.

Kelvin Omiyo has Edwin Okemwa in midfield. Nakuru’s back three has the partnership of Godfrey Mbeya, Larry Safari and Javan Murayi. 

Olago has handed a surprise start to Stafford Abeka, playing him at blindside flank in a back row.

Lock Oliver Mang’eni captains the Lions in partnership with Steve Wakaya. 

Up front, Kenyan internationals Moses Amusala and Curtis Lilako prop with Peter Karia starting at hooker.

Former Kenya international Peter Mutai, one of three surviving members of the squad that won three Kenya Cups between 2005 and 2007 starts at scrum half, partnering with fly half Essau Otieno.

Ken Moseti and Fabian Olando start in midfield for the bankers, a midfield partnership that Olago will bank on, (no pun intended), to create platforms for his side to surge forward.

Allana Omuka, Darwin Mukidza and Jacob Ojee are KCB’s back three, and are capable of proving a handful to their opponents. 

Three members of the 2005-2007 squad, Dennis Mwanja, Edwin Alubaka and Anthony Ogot are part of the KCB substitutes.

Kenya Cup final
Nakuru v KCB (4pm)
Eric Shirley Shield final
Nakuru II v. KCB II (2pm)
Match Officials
Referee: John Bosco Muamba
Assistant Referees: Constant Cap, Anthony Ndong
Venue: RFUEA Grounds
Date: Saturday 17 May 2014
Time: 4.00pm (GMT+3)