Four teams set for season debuts as KRU Championship enters week two

The 2025/26 Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) Championship heads into match day two on Saturday, 29 November, with four clubs set to finally kick off their campaigns after missing out on opening-week action.

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Returning sides Kisii RFC and South Coast Pirates, both scheduled to face each other last weekend, will get their long-awaited first minutes of the season.

Their original fixture in Diani, Kwale County, became the first casualty of the opening weekend after the two clubs mutually agreed to postpone the clash.

Pirates have since announced that the match will be slotted for either Saturday, 13 December, or Saturday, 7 February, with a confirmed date to be communicated once logistics are finalized.

Cash-strapped Western Bulls and the spirited Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) Monks also sat out week one, but will be in action this weekend.

Western Bulls vs South Coast Pirates

South Coast Pirates finally launch their season with a trip to Kakamega, where they face Western Bulls at the Bull Ring.

Pirates head coach Tony Khadambi has named a bold travelling squad for what will be his team’s first competitive match of the 2025/26 season.

The club has wasted no time integrating its three Ugandan imports: Alphonse Otieno, Titus Wanyangu, and Robin Odrua, all of whom have been named in the starting XV and will make their debuts just days after being unveiled.

Their arrival is part of a broader refresh at Pirates, who enter the new campaign with one of their youngest squads in recent years. Several other new signings are also in line to earn their first cap.

Captain Charles Tendwa leads the backline alongside Joseph Musyoki, while co-captain Ibrahim Nyongesa anchors the pack from number eight.

Fullback Abdul Mwaleso, winger Kenneth Omaset, and debutant Odrua complete the back three.

Veteran scrum-half Ali Rashid pairs with debutant fly-half Titus Wanyangu, forming a new-look half-back combination.

In the engine room, Chipu International John Asega partners with debutant Alphonse Otieno, while the front row features Sadala Mohammed, debutant Paul Siringiti, and Abdallah Mohammed.

Debutants Paul Angura and Farid Musa take charge on the flanks.

Khadambi has also assembled a youthful bench, including debutant Samuel Kalema, alongside Cedric Odhiambo, Sospeter Rofino, and Anthony Abonyo.

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Kisii RFC vs Mwamba RFC

Newly promoted Kisii RFC will finally taste Championship action when they host former Kenya Cup giants Mwamba RFC at the Kisii School Grounds.

Assistant coach Nelvine Lumiti, now overseeing the side following the departure of Arstone Lee to Kabras RFC, believes his charges are primed for battle.

“The boys are ready. We have worked hard for this moment, and even though our debut was pushed back, it only gave us more time to prepare. We know Mwamba are a quality side with experience at this level, but we are not here to make up the numbers. We want to start strong, especially at home,” Lumiti told Mozzart Sport.

Mwamba arrive in high spirits after a commanding 37–6 victory over NYS Spades in the opener. They will be eager to spoil Kisii’s homecoming with their sights firmly locked on a quick return to the Kenya Cup.

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Homeboyz RFC vs NYS Spades

Homeboyz began their campaign on a strong note, edging University of Nairobi’s Mean Machine 31–28 in a tense opener.

Their technical bench has been boosted by dynamic back Leeon Nyang, who has joined the coaching staff as he transitions into retirement. The Deejayz will be looking to build early momentum as they come up against NYS Spades.

For NYS, their physical size may not intimidate, but their structure and speed do. Their fullback, formerly of Kabras RFC and MMUST, proved to be a menace in week one and will be key to unlocking the Homeboyz defense. Their fast-paced approach makes them a dangerous opponent for any side.

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Mean Machine vs JKUAT Cougars

Mean Machine will be searching for their first win of the season after a narrow heartbreak against Homeboyz. With home advantage on their side, the students will be desperate to get their campaign on track.

Standing across from them are the in-form JKUAT Cougars, whose confidence is soaring. After dominating the Impala Floodlights varsity category, they carried that momentum into the league by demolishing Mombasa RFC in week one.

Another win would solidify their early title credentials.

Mombasa RFC vs Zetech Oaks

Zetech Oaks make the long journey to the coast to face a wounded Mombasa RFC. The Oaks, coached by Ramsfield Matekwa, opened their season with a victory over USIU Martials and will be keen to secure back-to-back wins.

But Mombasa at home are never an easy assignment. The coastal side fell short in their opener but will now enjoy both home advantage and familiarity with the intense Mombasa heat, factors that could tilt the tie in their favor.

USIU Martials vs CUEA Monks

CUEA Monks are set for their first match of the season after receiving a walkover against Western Bulls last weekend.

USIU Martials, meanwhile, are chasing their first win after falling to Zetech Oaks. With both sides eager to make amends, the fixture promises a tight contest.

2025/2026 KRU Championship

Matchday Two

Homeboyz RFC vs NYS Spades

2:00 pm, RFUEA Grounds

Mean Machine vs JKUAT Cougars

3:00 pm, UoN Grounds

Mombasa RFC vs Zetech Oaks

3:00 pm, Mombasa Sports Club

USIU Martials vs CUEA Monks

3:00 pm, USIU-A Grounds

Western Bulls vs SC Pirates

3:00 pm, Bull Ring

Kisii RFC vs Mwamba RFC

3:00 pm, Kisii School