History, rivalry and legacy on the line as Kabras host KCB in blockbuster Kenya Cup final

Defending champions Kabras RFC will host arch-rivals KCB Rugby in what promises to be another thrilling chapter of Kenyan rugby’s greatest modern rivalry when the two sides clash in the 2025/26 Kenya Cup final on Saturday, 9 May at the ASK Kakamega Showground.

Download our Mozzart Sport app for more news

Very little separated the two giants during the regular season. Kabras finished top of the standings with 52 points after registering 10 wins and one draw, while KCB followed closely behind with 50 points from an identical record, save for bonus points.

Their journey to the final was equally emphatic. KCB stormed past Nondies RFC 52-7 in the semifinals while Kabras brushed aside Kenyatta University’s Blak Blad 48-15 to set up a final many had anticipated from the start of the season.

However, despite their dominance, there is still unfinished business between the two sides. Their regular-season clash on March 7 ended in a 10-10 stalemate after heavy rains forced the match to be abandoned at halftime, leaving fans without a definitive answer as to who truly had the upper hand.

Kakamega-bound KCB all but ready to exert revenge in Kenya Cup final

Saturday’s final, therefore, offers more than silverware. It offers clarity, bragging rights, and a chance at history.

For Kabras, the stakes could hardly be bigger. Since earning promotion in the 2014/15 season, the Kakamega-based side has transformed into the most dominant force Kenyan rugby has seen in decades. They have appeared in every Kenya Cup final since 2015, winning five titles, including four consecutive crowns from 2022 to 2025.

Victory on Saturday would see Kabras become the first team in the modern era to win five straight Kenya Cup titles, joining legendary sides like Impala RFC and Nondescripts RFC, who achieved similar dynasties between the 1970s and early 1980s.

Tang Tang’s dominance stretches beyond trophies. The side has not lost a league match since 2022 and is currently riding a remarkable unbeaten streak of more than 50 matches. Since that defeat, only KCB and Menengai Oilers have managed to truly push them, with very few teams even coming within a converted try.

Their consistency has been staggering. Kabras have not missed a Kenya Cup final since promotion and have also captured the last five Enterprise Cup titles, underlining their status as the team every other club is chasing.

Ironically, standing in the way of their historic moment is the very side that once threatened to establish a dynasty of their own.

KCB remain one of Kenya’s most decorated rugby clubs, with golden eras that include a four-peat between 2017 and 2021, a three-peat from 2005 to 2007, and another title in 2015. The Bankers know how to win finals away from home, too, having famously conquered Kakamega in 2019 before reclaiming the title against Nondies in 2021.

In many ways, it feels poetic that Kabras’ quest for immortality will come against the team they have battled most fiercely over the last decade.

Since their first meeting after Kabras’ promotion, the rivalry has produced unforgettable moments, dramatic finals, tense draws, comeback victories, and bruising contests that have helped shape modern Kenyan rugby. But after more than 4,000 days of rivalry, none appears bigger than Saturday’s showdown.

“We are ready to fight for it” – KCB Rugby bullish ahead of Kenya Cup final

On one side stands a seasoned championship machine that knows how to grind out victories under pressure. On the other hand, a younger, hungrier KCB outfit determined to prove that the balance of power can shift once again.

The abandoned league meeting earlier this season could provide clues to how the final unfolds. KCB started brightly that day, dominating territory and the set-piece while putting Kabras under immense pressure early on. Kabras, however, showed the composure of champions, absorbing pressure and making the most of their few opportunities inside KCB’s 22.

With Kakamega expected to provide better underfoot conditions than the rain-soaked Nairobi pitch that halted the earlier clash, fans will hope for a fast, flowing contest worthy of the occasion.

Kabras have made notable changes to their squad ahead of the final, with Walter Okoth shifting to fly-half in one of the boldest tactical calls of the season. The centre’s defensive solidity could prove vital, especially in the absence of experienced playmakers Jone Kubu, who is suspended after receiving a red card in the semifinals, and Barry Young, who misses out entirely.

Eugene Sifuna starts at hooker alongside Emmanuel Otieno and Asuman Mugewra in the front row, while Hillary Odhiambo partners Shem Joseph in the second row. Captain George Nyambua and Patrick Lumumba will operate on the flanks, with Jeanson Misoga retaining the number eight jersey.

Roy Maruti starts at scrum-half with Okoth directing play at fly-half. Jackson Sketta slots in at fullback with Eric Cantona and Mathias Osimbo on the wings, while Bryceson Adaka partners Derrick Ashiundu in midfield.

Kenya Cup final: Samuel Asati on how KCB is plotting to dethrone Kabras

KCB, meanwhile, will rely on the experience of Fidel Maina at hooker alongside Nick Okullo and Wilhite Mususi in the front row. Emmanuel Silungi and Winstone Macharia form the lock pairing following the suspension of John Aswani and the departure of Andycolle Omollo to Japan.

Elvis Olukusi and George Ooro start on the flanks with Sheldon Kahi at number eight. Samuel Asati and Brian Wahinya will control the game from halfback, while Festus Shiasi and Vincent Onyala start on the wings around fullback Isaac Njoroge. Bob Muhati and Richel Wangila complete the midfield combination.