Chano memorial match headlines emotional Kenya Cup return

After a month-long pause, the 2025/2026 Kenya Cup finally roars back to life on Saturday, 10 January, with six matches spread across the country as clubs shake off the festive rust and refocus on league business.

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The competition last kicked off on Saturday, 6 December, before making way for the Enterprise Cup and the holiday season.

As the second phase of the campaign begins, the stakes feel higher with teams chasing early playoff positions and others fighting to stay afloat.

At the heart of the weekend, however, is an emotional tribute match that will see the rugby community come together in remembrance.

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Kenyatta University vs MMUST Rugby

At Kenyatta University, Blak Blad will host Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) Rugby in what promises to be an entertaining student derby at the Blad Bin.

MMUST return to action still searching for their first win of the season, having last featured in a 24–13 loss to Kenya Harlequin in late November.

Their scheduled December fixture against Daystar Falcons was postponed due to graduation ceremonies, denying them valuable game time.

It has been a tough return to life in the Kenya Cup for the Kakamega-based side, with a heavy defeat to defending champions Kabras RFC already behind them.

A trip to Nairobi offers a chance to reset, but they face a Blak Blad team that has quietly built momentum.

Coached by Benard Rotich, Blad have won two of their three matches and will be keen to keep that rhythm as they push for a playoff spot.

Kenya Harlequin vs Nondies RFC

Over at the RFUEA Grounds, one of the league’s fiercest rivalries is set to reignite when Kenya Harlequin face Nondies RFC in the Ngong Road derby. These fixtures rarely disappoint, and this clash carries familiar tension.

Nondies have struggled to close out games this season, with fitness proving costly in key moments.

Late collapses in both the Impala Floodlights final against Menengai Oilers and their final Kenya Cup match of 2025 against Nakuru RFC have left them frustrated.

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Quins, on the other hand, have delivered a pleasant surprise.

Under Patrice Agunda, they have won two of three matches, silencing early sceptics with steady, disciplined performances.

There is also a score to settle. Last season, Nondies eliminated Quins from main cup contention with a 38–22 playoff win, a result that still lingers.

“If there is a match we train for, it is this against Quins,” the then Nondies coach Callum Oliver told Mozzart Sport.

If his words are anything to go by, the Redshirts are poised for a major upset.

Nakuru RFC vs KCB Rugby

In Nakuru, Wanyore welcome KCB Rugby to the Nakuru Athletics Club in a fixture that could significantly shape the title race.

If recent form is anything to go by, Nakuru could yet prove to be the bogey side for the title-chasing Bankers.

©Tabby Nashipae

They dramatically ended 2025, producing a stunning last-gasp performance to edge fancied Nondies RFC, and will draw further belief from the comfort of home advantage.

Standing in their way, however, is a focused and well-drilled KCB outfit. Coached by former Kenya Sevens captain Andrew Amonde, the Bankers will be keen to carry their bonus-point momentum into the new year.

They currently sit third on the log with 15 points, just a point adrift of leaders Kabras RFC and Menengai Oilers, making every result count.

Kisumu RFC vs Kabras RFC

Down in Kisumu, the Lakeside heat will meet the league’s top side as Kisumu RFC hosts defending champions Kabras RFC at Mamboleo.

A year ago, this fixture was painfully one-sided, with Kabras running in 137 points. This time, Kisumu looks like a different side.

Despite losing to KCB in November, the team, now coached by Howard Okwemba, has shown renewed energy and structure.

Kabras, though, remain ruthless. Three big wins have placed them top of the table, and they will be intent on leaving Kisumu with maximum points.

Strathmore Leos vs Menengai Oilers

The most emotional fixture of the weekend will take place at the Strathmore Sports Complex, where the Leos will host Menengai Oilers in a fixture that carries deep emotional significance.

The match will be played in tribute to Strathmore Leos lock Felix ‘Chano’ Odhiambo, who tragically passed away on Friday, 2 January, while undergoing treatment after sustaining severe injuries in a road accident on New Year’s Eve.

The talented forward was reportedly struck by a car and rushed to the hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

The loss has touched both camps, with Chano’s brother, Wallace Onyango, turning out for Menengai Oilers.

For the Leos, who ended 2025 with a heavy 72–10 defeat to KCB Rugby, the match offers a chance to honor a fallen teammate.

On Friday, 9 January, the squad visited Chano’s home in Kamulu to pay their respects to the family.

Oilers arrive in Nairobi in a confident mood after demolishing Kisumu RFC in their final match of 2025. While they will be keen to collect maximum points as they continue their pursuit of an elusive Kenya Cup title, the occasion is set to be defined as much by remembrance as by competition.

Impala RFC vs Daystar Falcons

Finally, at the Impala Grounds, Impala RFC and Daystar Falcons face off in a meeting of two struggling sides.

Impala sit bottom of the log after conceding over 300 points in just three matches, while Daystar are still searching for their first Kenya Cup win since earning promotion.

With both teams desperate for points, something has to give.