Exclusive Interview with Dennis Mwanja: Inside look at KCB RFC's Defeat by Kabras

Kabras RFC beat their long-time rivals KCB RFC 29-23 in a Kenya Cup match held on Saturday 18 at the Ruaraka Grounds in Nairobi. The loss brought an end to KCB RFC's nine-match winning streak and saw them drop to second position on the log.

Speaking to Mozzart Sport after the match, KCB RFC's Assistant Coach, Dennis Mwanja, cited a lack of continuity in play as the main reason behind the loss. The team started off the game on a low note and infringed twice, causing the visitors to gain six points.

Following that, they gained momentum minutes towards the end of the opening half and managed to score two unconverted tries but were still six points behind the Sugarmen.

"We did not have continuity in that play and getting back to our systems helped us to gain continuity and enabled us to start getting points. It is a game of points. Being at this level in the league, it is about points and making fewer mistakes," Mwanja disclosed.

Describing Kabras RFC as a 'worthy opponent', Mwanja, who also coaches award-winning Kenya Lionesses, saluted his resilient players, noting that they were strong characters to hunt for the win despite Kabras RFC being a worthy opponent. Last year at the same venue, KCB RFC defeated Kabras RFC 28-20, but they (KCB RFC) did not qualify for the finals after they were edged out by Menengai Oilers.

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"It is just about the character. Kabras is a worthy opponent. At this level of the league, you have to have the character to be able to still string out even when things do not seem to be going well."

Reflecting on a tough afternoon, Mwanja attributed the loss to poor breakdowns, not-so-good set pieces, and a lack of continuity. As they head to the playoffs, KCB RFC will be keen to right their wrongs and find their way to the finals.

"I'd say we will miss fewer opportunities, fewer stoppages, that means by making fewer errors. We realized in the breakdowns and in the set pieces that errors were being penalized. We look at polishing our continuity and the fewer errors we make, the better."

KCB RFC has already booked a slot in the playoffs and will be keen to secure a win against Mean Machine come Saturday 25 February.