Fierce battles expected as Kenya Cup last four clash

The 2022/23 Kenya Cup has shaped up to be one of the most competitive in history. This season has seen big names fall and humble ones lifted, but most importantly each side picked a lesson.

As the curtains fall, 46 players will gather at the KCB’s Ruaraka Grounds while a similar number face off at the Kakamega Showgrounds on Saturday, March 4 for the semi-finals.

The winners from each side will proceed to the finals. KCB RFC will welcome Menengai Oilers while Kabras RFC welcome Kenya Harlequins.

KCB RFC VS MENENGAI OILERS

The two long-time rivals meet again this Saturday. On 5 March 2022, KCB RFC failed to proceed to the finals after the Oilers edged them 24-17 at their home ground. This Saturday presents a repeat of the same. Will the Oilers make their second finals appearance?

Mozzart Sport caught up with Menengai Oilers Captain Chrispin Shitundo. Shitundo recognized KCB as a worthy opponent but is confident that they will improve from their match with Kabras RFC which ended 15-13 in favor of the Sugarmen.

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The Oilers have worked on various areas like their set-pieces which failed them in their previous encounter.

“We are working on our set piece plays which let us down in our last encounter. KCB RFC have been on a winning run and it doesn’t get easier considering it is a knockout but I am positive lots of good things were picked in last weekend’s game. That should be the confidence heading to the semis,” Shitundo disclosed.

Since their performance last season, every team that came to play against the Oilers’ was well prepared, and that was slightly challenging for them.

“So far the season has been slightly challenging since most teams came to play prepared hence the results.”

The Bankers have been in fine form this season having lost only a match against Kabras RFC.

H2H

This will be the ninth time these rivals are meeting. The two sides have met eight times in previous Kenya Cup matches, and Menengai Oilers managed only a win.

KABRAS RFC VS KENYA HARLEQUINS

Kabras RFC have been on an 11-match winning streak. They have not tasted a win this season. The Sugarmen will be hoping to retain the Kenya Cup title. Last year at the Kakamega Showground, they won against the Menengai Oilers.

In an interview with Mozzart Sport on Saturday, Kabras RFC Coach Carlos Kyatwa attributed his charges’ performance to the transition. According to the Coach, anyone from the team is now eligible to compete in the Kenya Cup matches. The youngsters have perfectly assimilated with the elders, and this will give the coach variety.

Kenya Harlequins on the other hand will be looking to proceed to the finals after they were denied a chance by KCB RFC last season. KCB RFC whitewashed Paul Murunga’s charges 46-11 at the Lion's Den. This time, the Quins will be keen to play in the finals for the first time since 2010.

H2H

This will be the 12th between Kenya Cup meeting between the two sides. Pau’s charges have only won two out of the 11 matches. Kabras RFC is enjoying nine wins.