KCB Rugby reveal redemption plan after shock Enterprise Cup elimination

KCB Rugby have quickly shifted their focus to the domestic league, following their shock elimination from the Enterprise Cup on Saturday, 21 March.

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The Bankers were the standout casualties in the Enterprise Cup quarterfinals over the weekend, after being stunned 11-10 by Ugandan side Black Pirates at the Muteesa II Stadium, in Wankulukuku, Uganda.

Enterprise Cup: KCB Rugby suffer shock exit as Oilers, Nondies, Kabras sail through

KCB, who went into the pivotal clash without their coach Andrew Amonde plus five key members of their playing unit, were held off by the reigning Nile Premiership champions in a close contest that they never led.

The match-up, which constituted the wider cross-border expansion of this year’s competition, began with early nerves from the Pirates, who missed a penalty that could have handed them a quick advantage.

However, Mukore Wayne soon steadied matters, calmly slotting a penalty to give the hosts a 3-0 lead, which helped them settle into the contest.

Momentum swung firmly in favor of the visitors when Pirates captain Conrad Wanyama was temporarily sin-binned, but instead of collapsing, the Ugandans tightened their grip, and earned another penalty that stretched their lead to 6-0.

Despite KCB’s efforts to respond, Pirates’ defensive structure held firm through the remainder of the half, taking a deserved 6-0 lead into the break.

In the second half, KCB sparked the game into life when Sheldon Kahi crossed over for the Bankers’ opening try, narrowing the deficit to 6-5.

©KCB RFC

However, the missed conversion by Levy Amunga proved to be an early turning point in what would become a game of fine margins.

Pirates later responded with purpose, Okelo touching down to extend their lead to 11-5, just as KCB threatened to build momentum.

Michael Wekesa, moments later brought KCB to within a point as he powered over for a crucial try, but once again, the extras went begging, as Brian Wahinya missed the conversion that could have swung the lead in KCB’s favor.

In the end, Pirates held on through a tense finish, closing out a win that ended KCB’s hopes in the tournament.

“We lost a tight one, and credit to Pirates for taking their chances,” forwards coach Brian Nyikuli said post-game.

“For us, the focus now shifts fully to the Kenya Cup playoffs. That is where our season will be defined, and we have to be sharper in those key moments.”

Reflecting on the defeat, KCB skipper Bob Muhati described the match as a tight affair, even while ruminating over the fine margins his team fell on the opposite side of.

“It is a tough loss, especially in a game decided by such small margins,” Muhati said. “But we take the lessons and move forward. Our focus is now on the Kenya Cup playoffs, and we believe we have what it takes to compete and finish strong.”

KCB, who pending an appeal finished second on the Kenya Cup regular season standings, will now bank on a strong end to the season, eyeing what will be their first Kenya Cup victory since 2021.

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