Enterprise Cup: Kabras welcome Quins as KCB, Oilers eye smooth sailing

The 2024/25 Enterprise Cup enters the quarterfinal stage with three matches slated for various parts of the country on Saturday 8 February. Four games were anticipated but South Coast Pirates handed Nondies RFC a walkover, reducing the matches to three.

With that walkover, Nondies have proceeded to the semifinal stage.

Nondies through to Enterprise Cup semis as walkovers mar quarterfinal stage

This year also marks the first time since the 2019/20 season that the tournament runs concurrently with the Kenya Cup.

Kabras vs Kenya Harlequin – ASK Kakamega Showground

Unbeaten Sugarmen will welcome wounded Kenya Harlequin in an expected mouth-watering match slated for the ASK Kakamega Showground.

The Quins, who reached this stage after defeating Strathmore Leos 62-8, have no better memories of the Forest. They have lost all their matches there.

Their recent loss to the Sugarmen was 22-8 in the 2022/23 season's semifinals.

Last season, they lost 50-9 in their backyard, the RFUEA Grounds.

The Paul Murunga-coached side is fresh from three consecutive defeats to Nondescripts RFC (26-24), Menengai Oilers (42-26), and KCB Rugby (38-16). They will be looking to avoid knockout from the Enterprise Cup when they lock horns with the Sugarmen.

The hosts on the other hand are brimming with confidence after failing to taste a loss since the Enterprise and Kenya Cup season kicked off.

The Sugarmen reached the quarterfinals without breaking a sweat after receiving a walkover from Kisumu RFC. They will be keen to capitalize on the home advantage and see off the visitors.

If they win this year’s competition, they will make history by retaining their title for the fifth consecutive time.

KCB Rugby vs CUEA Monks – KCB Sports Club

The Bankers have a light afternoon tackling former Kenya Cup side the Catholic University of East Africa (CUEA) Monks. The students reached this stage after a narrow 16-15 victory over Nakuru RFC and they will be out to prove that they are a tough nut to crack.

However, if history is any guide, the students have an uphill task. Their last meeting with the Bankers was in October 2024, during the Impala Floodlights' second-plate semifinals, when they were defeated 68-6. They will be out to avenge this defeat.

Meanwhile, their opponents are riding high on confidence, having tasted no loss in the Enterprise and Kenya Cup so far. They reached this stage after upsetting Mwamba RFC 89-12. They will be looking to reclaim the title they last won during the 2016/17 season.

Menengai Oilers vs Homeboyz RFC – ASK Nakuru Showground

Menengai Oilers will welcome former Kenya Cup side Homeboyz RFC to Nakuru as they (Oilers) hunt for another win of the season.

The Oilers have not lost a single match. They reached the Enterprise Cup quarterfinal stage after seeing off Daystar University Falcons 80-19. In 2024, the Oilers made history by winning their maiden Impala Floodlights title and it is now a matter of wait-and-see if they will claim their maiden Enterprise Cup as well. They have proven to be a tenacious side this season, and fans are on the lookout.

Meanwhile, Homeboyz RFC, which now plays in the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) Championship, reached this stage after receiving a walkover from Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) Rugby.