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

KCB Rugby Club head coach Andrew Amonde says his side is ready to give a complete performance against fierce rivals Kabras Sugar in a blockbuster Kenya Cup final set for Saturday, 9 May at the ASK Showground.

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Amonde, speaking a day after the Bankers departed to Kakamega for camp and fine-tuning game strategies, not for the first time this season, exuded confidence in his charges, even as they chase their ninth title.

“We have grown a lot as a team this season,” Amonde said on Wednesday, 6 May. “The boys understand what is at stake, and we are ready to put in a complete performance.”

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In heading to their first Kenya Cup final since 2024, KCB had one of their strongest seasons, as they navigated through its games unbeaten, and were only pipped by regular season table-toppers Kabras on points difference.

One instance that showed the Bankers’ growth was in a regular season game on Saturday, 7 March, when KCB pushed Kabras to the limit in a tightly contested 10-10 draw that was eventually disrupted by heavy rain.

Drawing from that abandoned fixture, Amonde believes his side have got all it takes to get over the hump, and win their first Kenya Cup title since 2021.

“Kabras are a strong side, but we’ve shown we can match them, and now it’s about executing our game plan on the day,” Amonde said.

Back in 2024, KCB’s run to the title was ended by Saturday’s opponents Kabras 29-5, a fact that is also not lost on the playing unit.

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“This is a moment we have worked hard for all season,” KCB skipper Bob Muhati said. “The boys are locked in, the energy in camp is right, and we know what Kabras brings. We also know what we are capable of."

He added: “The final is about discipline, execution, and showing up for each other for the full 80 minutes. We want that title, and we are ready to fight for it.”

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KCB’s chances will be significantly boosted by the return of their sevens stars, with Floyd Wabwire, George Ooro, Festus Shiasi, Samuel Asati, and Vincent Onyala all back in the fold, adding depth, pace, and experience to the squad.

The expected starting eleven will feature a formidable lineup, including Fidel Maina, Nick Okullo, Emmanuel Silungi, Wilhite Mususi, John Aswani, Sheldon Kahi, Ooro, Asati, Brian Wahinya, Festus Shiasi, Muhati, Richel Wangila, Mike Wekesa, and Isaac Njoroge.