KCB bank on new signings in tricky Homeboyz opener
KCB's Levi Amunga (right) vies with Kabras Sugar's Valleria Tendwa during their Kenya Cup final at Nandi Bears Sports Club in Nandi County on September 04, 2021. KCB won 28-25.
What you need to know:
- Centre Max Kangeri comes up against his former side but will come off the bench for KCB, who are chasing their fifth consecutive Kenya Cup crown
- KCB have also signed Kenya Sevens winger Alvin Otieno and centre Bob Muhati from Homeboyz and scrum half Bramwell Omondi from JKUAT
- There will be five other matches on the card with the battle between neighbours Kenya Harlequin and Impala Saracens being one of the major highlights at the RFUEA grounds
Champions KCB Rugby will unleash three of their six new signings when they launch their Kenya Cup title defence against Homeboyz at KCB Ruaraka Sports Club on Saturday.
Bramwell Kilwake, who KCB have acquired from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), will start at lock while Alvis Ulukusi formerly of Nakuru will start from the bench.
Centre Max Kangeri comes up against his former side but will come off the bench for KCB, who are chasing their fifth consecutive Kenya Cup crown.
KCB Rugby edged out Kabras Sugar 28-25 on September 4 this year at Nandi Bears Sports Club to lift their eighth Kenya Cup title, making them the only other clubs after Nondescripts and Impala Saracens to have won the title four times in a row.
KCB have also signed Kenya Sevens winger Alvin Otieno and centre Bob Muhati from Homeboyz and scrum half Bramwell Omondi from JKUAT.
“We shall be testing the players in the first four matches to see how our systems are working," said KCB Rugby team manager Philip Wamae. “We want to get maximum points before Christmas break.”
KCB Rugby have lost one player, scrum half Marlin Mukolwe, who has moved to Blak Blad on loan.
“We are all set for the new season where we hope to keep the momentum,” said Wamae, adding that despite not having competed last season, Homeboyz will bring out their 'A' game.
“Most of the players are from their development set-up and I believe they will be hungry to test us,” said Wamae.
There will be five other matches on the card with the battle between neighbours Kenya Harlequin and Impala Saracens being one of the major highlights at RFUEA grounds.
It will be the first outing for new Impala Saracens head coach Oscar Osir, who is set to unleash six new players. Quins edged out Impala 27-20 in their last outing on March 13 this year at Impala Sports Club.
Milton Omondi and Mark Maina have earned promotion to the first side and will start at front row while Billy Arigi and Ranier Omondi are in the second row.
Henry Rabach will be in the back row to partner skipper Valentino Cosmas and Paul Mutsami.
Experienced fly-half Nato Simiyu will be deployed at his familiar position in a match where former Masinde Muliro captain Samuel Mbeche and Kisumu’s Maurice Ochieng will make their debut off the bench.
Nakuru, who take on Strathmore Leos at the RFUEA, will be fielding some of their newly signed players, who include centre Emman Okwako and backrower Rodgers Audi. The duo have joined from their rivals Menengai Oilers.
Also set to play is Leon Nyang’ from Egerton Wasps and former Western Bulls forwards Robert Awich and Bradford Khalumi.
Men's Fixtures
Strathmore Leos v Nakuru (1.00pm) RFUEA (live)
Kenya Harlequin v Impala Saracens (3.00pm) RFUEA (live)
Kabras Sugar v Blak Blad (3.00pm) Moi Showground, Kakamega
Masinde Muliro v Nondescripts (3.00pm) MMUST, Kakamega
Menengai Oilers v Mwamba (3.00pm) Moi Showground, Nakuru
KCB v Homeboyz (3.00pm) KCB Sports Club, Ruaraka
Women’s Fixtures
Mwamba v Nakuru (11.00am) RFUEA, Nairobi
Ruckit v Yamanashi Impala Saracens (1.00pm) Impala Club, Nairobi
Homeboyz v Northern Suburbs (1.00pm) KCB Sports Club, Ruaraka
