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Kenya Cup: Oilers seeking another semis berth as former titans Nondies, Quins clash
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Reading Time: 4min | Sat. 22.03.25. | 08:22
Nondescripts will welcome Kenya Harlequin in what promises to be a mouth-watering Ngong Road derby
The 2024/25 Kenya Cup season is inching closer to its conclusion, with the playoffs set to take centre stage on Saturday 22 March in two venues in the country.
Nondescripts will welcome Kenya Harlequin in what promises to be a mouth-watering Ngong Road derby. At the same time, Kenyatta University’s Blak Blad will travel to Nakuru to lock horns with the Menengai Oilers.
Nondies vs Quins – Racecourse Grounds
This will be the second time these two teams face off this season. On Saturday 18 March, they faced off with Nondies RFC emerging 26-24 victorious.
They also locked horns during the 2023/24 season, facing off in the semifinals where Nondies emerged 25-13 victorious.
Quins will be on a revenge mission with Paul Murunga naming a strong squad in a bid to sail him through against the stubborn White Shirts.
Adam Mugo starts at hooker and is assisted by Mohammed Khaider and Abel Matanda. The engine room has Mario Abungu and Frank Aduda. Charlton Mokua, Bill Abuom, and captain Sheldon Kahi will start at backrow.
Lucky Dewald and Faren Juma start at the scrum half and fly half respectively.
Leeon Nyang starts at fullback and is covered by Matthew Ouma and Dave Mwaura on both wings. Paul Mutsami and Rachel Wangila make up the centre department.
Fans will be treated to a live cooking exhibition by celebrated chef Dennis Ombachi alias Roaming Chef.
The match will be officiated by the experienced referee Constant Cap. He will be assisted by Godwin Karuga and Duncan Kioko.
Nondies finished the regular season in fourth place while their rivals Quins finished fifth. The winner will face Kabras RFC in the semifinals.
Menengai Oilers vs Blak Blad – Nakuru ASK Grounds
Third-placed Oilers will welcome Kenyatta University’s Blak Blad in what promises to be an intense battle. Coincidentally, just like the match pitting Nondies and Quins, Blak Blad last faced Oilers on Saturday, January 18, in Nakuru, where the hosts emerged victorious 52-15.
The students ended their season on a low note after suffering a 29-15 defeat to Mwamba RFC and will be looking for a win in Nakuru.
It will however be an uphill task against the Oilers who have received a major boost after the return of five of their key players.
Skipper Ibrahim Ayoo, scrum-half Samson Onsomu, hooker Emmanuel Mulla, Kenya Sevens forward John Okoth are back in the squad, and fly-half Abutwalib Wesonga too has returned from injury, providing much-needed reinforcements.
Ayoo, who had been sidelined due to suspension, missed vital matches against KCB, Kabras, and South Coast Pirates after receiving a red card for a high tackle against Nondies in January.
The incident left the Oilers battling with a man down in the second half, but they managed to secure a 34-25 victory. Mulla, too, picked up a knee injury in the same match, ruling him out for several weeks.
Onsomu suffered an ankle injury during training after their dominant 35-0 win over South Coast Pirates on Saturday 8 March.
His absence left a gap in the squad, but his return alongside Wesonga is expected to bring valuable tactical depth to the halfback department.
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Kevin Wambugu has been appointed as the referee. He will be assisted by Victor Oduor and Robinson Kiplangat.
The winner of this clash will face KCB Rugby in the semifinals.
KRU Championship playoffs
Zetech Oaks, who finished fourth with 34 points, will lock horns with JKUAT Cougars, who secured fifth place with 33 points, in a high-stakes encounter at Zetech University’s Mang’u Campus.
Meanwhile, Catholic Monks, who finished third with 46 points, will welcome Homeboyz RFC (33 points) to Catholic University, Karen.
The winners of these two encounters will advance to the semifinals, inching closer to a coveted spot in next season’s Kenya Cup.
Women’s Kenya Cup Playoffs
In the first playoff fixture, NYS Ladies will take on Rongo University, while Northern Suburbs will face Impala RFC in the other matchup.
The winners of these games will advance to the semifinals, where they will meet the league’s top two teams – Mwamba RFC and Kenya Harlequin.
