Kenya Cup: Battle for title begins as semifinal pairings are confirmed

Upon completion of the regular phase of the 2021/2022 Kenya Cup season that ended on 26 February 2022, four teams have been left behind to contest for the title after they finished in the top four spots in the league standings that guaranteed them a place in the semifinals for this season.

In the pairings already confirmed by Kenya Rugby Union, Kabras Sugar, reigning champions KCB, Menengai Oilers and varsity side Strathmore Leos are the teams that will battle it out in the playoffs, a similar situation as witnessed in the previous season.

Record champions Nondies and Kenya Harlequin relegated from the Kenya Cup

Having finished as the leaders, Kabras Sugar will have home advantage as they take on Louis Kisia’s Leos who finished in fourth place. The encounter will be a repeat of last season’s semi-final which Kabras won 39-19 at the Nandi Bears Club.

Against Leos, the Jerome Muller coached side will be eyeing to get to an eighth straight final appearance. Strathmore Leos on the other hand are eyeing a return to the Kenya Cup finals for a first time since 2013.

In the second semifinal pairing, eight time champions KCB will face a really tough test as they welcome an ambitious Menengai Oilers to their home venue at the KCB Sports Club. KCB and Oilers will be also a repeat of last season’s semi-final where the Bankers won 35-17 to reach another Kenya Cup final.

The champions will be eyeing another straight final since 2016 while Gibson Weru’s Oilers will be eyeing their first final appearance since promotion.

Kenya Cup semi-final pairings

Semifinal 1: Kabras RFC vs Strathmore Leos – Kakamega Showground

Semifinal 2: KCB vs Menengai Oilers – KCB Sports Club