All to play for as Kenya Cup reaches final round

The Kenya Cup regular season will culminate in a thrilling climax on Saturday, 8 March 2025, as the battle for the top spot and the fight to avoid relegation comes down to the wire.

With crucial matches nationwide, fans can expect high-intensity rugby as teams battle for their fates.

Kabras vs KCB Rugby

Defending champions Kabras RFC and league leaders KCB Rugby will play a blockbuster top-of-the-table match at 3:00 p.m. at the Kakamega Showground.

The match has immense stakes: KCB aims to secure its first home final since 2018, while Kabras are chasing its sixth consecutive top-of-the-table finish.

A top spot on the table will help the Sugarmen secure a home final.

They moved to the second position on the log following a narrow 7-3 victory over Nondies RFC, a match that saw them struggle to break down their opponents’ defense.

Meanwhile, KCB Rugby edged Menengai Oilers 29-27 to ascend to the top of the table.

KCB then cemented their lead with a commanding 69-9 victory over Impala RFC on Saturday, 1 March, while Kabras RFC had to fight hard for a 20-14 win against Menengai Oilers.

Everything is at stake for the two teams, making this clash a must-watch.

KCB Rugby’s stakes

Bonus Point Victory: Achieving a win with a bonus point will elevate KCB to 55 points, ensuring they finish first.

Win Without Bonus Point: A standard win without the additional bonus point will result in 54 points, which still secures the top spot.

Draw: If the match ends in a draw, KCB will accumulate 52 points, maintaining their lead at the top of the table.

Loss with Two Bonus Points: In the event of a loss where KCB earns two bonus points, they would tie with Kabras RFC.

However, due to Kabras' head-to-head advantage, KCB would finish in second place.

For Kabras RFC, securing a bonus-point win would elevate them to 53 points, ensuring they finish first.

A standard win without the bonus point would result in 52 points, still guaranteeing the top position.

However, any other outcome would see the Kabras relinquish their streak of finishing at the summit of the table.

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Mwamba RFC vs. Blak Blad

Mwamba must win to keep their hopes alive. A bonus-point victory gives them 17 points, but they will need other results to favor them.

Blak Blad, on the other hand, are buoyed with confidence, following their 39-31 victory over Strathmore Leos next weekend.

Strathmore Leos vs. Kenya Harlequin

Strathmore Leos, tied on 13 points with Kisumu, need a win to reach 18 points and boost their survival chances. Even a draw or two losing bonus points (15 points) could be enough, depending on other results.

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Kisumu RFC vs. Nondies

Kisumu, also on 13 points, must win to stand a chance. A bonus-point win will get them to 18 points, while a normal win leaves them on 17. Their fate depends on Mwamba and Strathmore’s results.

South Coast Pirates vs. Menengai Oilers

Pirates must secure a five-point win to survive or rely on other teams dropping points.

Impala RFC vs. Nakuru RFC

Impala sit precariously on 15 points and could be relegated if they lose without a bonus point and other results go against them.

Playoff Positions at Stake

Beyond the title race and relegation battle, the fight for home playoff spots adds another layer of drama.

Menengai Oilers are confirmed for third place regardless of their result.

Nondies need to beat Kisumu to secure a home playoff match but could slip to fourth if Quins win big.

Kenya Harlequin can overtake Nondies if they win with a bonus and Nondies drop points.

Blak Blad are locked in sixth place but will look to end the season with a win over Mwamba.

Final Day Fixtures (Saturday, 8 March 2025)

Impala RFC vs. Nakuru RFC – Impala Club, 4:00 p.m.

Mwamba RFC vs. K.U Blak Blad – Impala Club, 2:00 p.m.

Strathmore Leos vs. Kenya Harlequin FC – Strathmore Complex, 4:00 p.m.

Kisumu RFC vs. Nondescripts – Kisumu Polytechnic, 3:00 p.m.

South Coast Pirates vs. Menengai Oilers – Seacrest, 3:00 p.m.

Kabras Sugar vs. KCB Rugby – Kakamega Showground, 3:00 p.m.