KCB-Kabras sequel highlights Enterprise Cup semis

The 2024/25 Enterprise Cup has reached its semifinal stage, with two thrilling clashes set to take place on Saturday, 15 March.

Menengai Oilers will host Nondies RFC in Nakuru, while KCB Rugby travels to Kakamega to face defending champions Kabras RFC.

Menengai Oilers progressed after receiving a walkover from Homeboyz in the quarterfinals, while Nondescripts RFC advanced following a walkover from South Coast Pirates.

The Oilers have received a significant boost ahead of their semifinal encounter.

Kenya 7s star John Okoth, who has recovered from injury, will make his first appearance of the season.

The dynamic back, who last featured for the Oilers on August 24 during Kabeberi 7s, underwent surgery in September 2024 and has been named among the replacements.

Head coach Gibson Weru has made key changes to the starting lineup.

Tony Oketch earns a starting role, while Abutwalib Wesonga misses out.

Daniel Kipchirchir will make his second consecutive start at center, while Kenya U20 speedster Alvin Khavoli starts on the openside.

The midfield partnership of Samuel Ovwamu and Chrispine Shitundo remains intact, while Clarkson Keegan and Samuel Mwaura form the half-back pairing.

The back row features Nelson Makokha, Amos Obae and Elkeans Musonye.

In the tight five, Samuel Were and Wallace Onyango pair up in the second row, with Francis Atiti, Celestine Mboi and Vincent Mwikhali in the front row.

On the bench, Paywick Munoko, Fortune Aturo and Andrew Odero provide additional cover, while Okoth will be keen to make an impact on his return to action.

The Oilers aim for their first-ever Enterprise Cup final and will look to build on their 34-25 league victory over Nondies earlier this season.

Meanwhile, five-time Enterprise Cup champions KCB RFC are on a mission for redemption as they prepare for a high-stakes battle against arch-rivals Kabras Sugar.

Kabras RFC advanced to the semifinals by defeating Kenya Harlequin 43-20 in the quarterfinals. Fly-half Eric Cantona delivered a standout performance, scoring a hat-trick and adding several conversions.

KCB Rugby demonstrated their dominance with an 86-7 victory over the Catholic Monks in their quarterfinal clash.

With last weekend’s 25-17 Kenya Cup defeat to Kabras still fresh in their minds, the Bankers are determined to turn the tide and secure their first Enterprise Cup title since 2017.

Head coach Oliver Mang’eni, who replaced longtime tactician Curtis Olago, remains confident in his squad’s ability to reclaim its dominance.

“In a short period, we have made drastic changes and improvements in the squad. Last weekend’s display was encouraging. Our game plan is working, and our tactical approach is proving effective. We want to continue playing like this and, hopefully, take KCB back to winning titles,” said Mang’eni.

The Bankers’ last Enterprise Cup triumph came in 2017, with previous victories in 2004, 2007, 2015, and 2016.

Oliver Mang'eni confident of 'taking back KCB to where it belongs' ahead of Kabras semis clash

However, last season’s final ended in disappointment as they fell 32-20 to Kabras. This semifinal presents an opportunity for KCB to rectify last year’s misstep and make a bold statement under Mang’eni’s leadership.

Isaac Njoroge is expected to start at fullback following impressive performances in the Kenya Cup. Other key players such as Austin Sikutwa, Emmanuel Opondo, Laban Kipsang, Andycole Omolo, Wilhite Mususi, Griffin Musila, Emmanuel Silungi and Nick Okullo are set to feature.

However, Tyson Maina will be unavailable after suffering a concussion in their last fixture at the same venue.