Kenya Cup playoff pairings confirmed

Rugby fans are gearing up for two nerve-wracking matches as the race for the semifinal spot goes down the wire.

One knockout match will be played at the RFUEA Grounds with the other slated for Nakuru Showground. All matches will be played on March 16.

Playoff 1: Kenya Harlequin vs Nondies RFC

Kenya Harlequin will lock horns with Nondies RFC in the first knockout match set for the RFUEA Grounds.

Both teams will be out to claim the Ngong Road bragging rights and book a semifinal spot. The winner of this match will see off with log leaders Kabras RFC.

For the Quins, apart from the semifinal spot, they will be on a revenge mission. They suffered a 21-13 defeat in the hands of Nondies during the final regular league match and will be keen to avenge.

Out of the 11 matches played this season, the Quins have won seven, with four losses on the card. They will be looking to showcase their fighting spirit to emerge as the winners.

Their opponents Nondies will be out to extend their winning streak over them. Nondies who were promoted to the Kenya Cup in the 2023/24 season after a season in the championship league will be looking to sparkle.

They have a similar record as Quins; seven wins and four losses making the playoff match even more interesting.

Kenya Cup: Oilers stun KCB as Kabras extend unbeaten run in comeback against Blak Blad

Playoff 2: Menengai Oilers vs Blak Blad

2021/22 Kenya Cup finalists Menengai Oilers will welcome Kenyatta University’s Blak Blad in the second playoff match slated for the Nakuru Showground. The outcome of this match will determine who faces KCB Rugby in the semifinal match.

Oilers sealed their playoff spot after finishing third with 42 points. The Nakuru-based outfit ended their campaign with a 34-23 win over Catholic Monks.

They defeated Blak Blad during the regular season and will be hoping to extend their dominance over the students. Out of the 11 matches played this season, the Oilers have only lost twice, with nine wins on their record.

Blak Blad, meanwhile, collected five points without breaking a sweat after the already relegated Homeboyz dished out their second walkover of the campaign.

County Rugby 15s Round-up: Koyonzo, Bungoma, Nakuru, St Mary’s Yala through to the regionals

They only played 10 matches, registering five wins, one draw, and four losses.

Their midweek match against Kisumu will not go on as planned.

Kisumu RFC avoided relegation after securing a crucial victory in their match against the Leos on match day 11, accumulating a total of 12 points.

On the other hand, Catholic Monks joined Homeboyz Rugby in dropping back to the KRU Championship league, having garnered 7 and -2 points respectively.

Kenya Cup playoffs

Menengai Oilers vs K.U Blak Blad

Kenya Harlequin vs Nondescript