Kenya Cup: Revamped Strathmore Leos dare to dream against Kabras

2016 champions Kabras Sugar RFC will be hoping to avoid any upsets in their quest for a second elusive title when they host a revamped Strathmore Leos at the Kakamega Showground on Saturday afternoon in one of the two Kenya Cup semifinal pairings being played for a place in the finals.

Having had their perfect ten-game unbeaten streak brought to an end by reigning champions KCB last weekend, the one time Kenya Cup champions will take on a Leos side that will have back their fully rested key players who were given a breather in the season-ending fixture against Blak Blad as the Sugar Millers toiled against KCB.

While Leos have not had any fair share of delight in this fixture since their return to the top tier in the 2021 season, as they have lost their last three matches, head coach Louis ‘Fadhee’ Kisia remains optimistic that his side has what it takes to cause an upset considering the progress they have made in getting to two playoffs in a row.

“This is the second season after promotion and a second semifinal in a row. From where I sit, the boys are ready to upset the apple cart,” Kisia is quoted on Raga House.

The big challenge for Leos, however, is how to upset a seasoned Kabras that has been to every semifinal since 2014 and a side that is driven by the ambition to become champions once again. That notwithstanding counted for less on game day according to Kisia.

“Yes, that is in order (On Kabras being a regular semifinalist). But that notwithstanding, this is a sport and whoever comes to the party on game day carries the day. They will use their marauding forwards to gain momentum but we will match them and bank on our fitness,” he added.

Kenya Cup Semis: Can enterprising Menengai Oilers cause an upset against reigning champions KCB?

In their backyard, Kabras will be seeking to replicate what they did barely a month ago when they defeated the team 32-3.

Can Strathmore Leos down Kabras Sugar and qualify for their first Kenya Cup final since 2013?

The winner between Kabras and Strathmore will face KCB or Menengai Oilers in the final.

The match kicks off at 1500 EAT.

Kabras RFC: 1. Joseph Odero 2.Teddy Akala, 3. Asuman Mugerwa 4.George Nyambua, 5,Brian Tonya 6. Kevin Wekesa, 7.Dan Sikuta 8. Jeanson Musoga 9. Brian Tanga 10.Ntabeni Dukisa, 11.Alfred Orege , 12. Walter Okoth, 13 Bryceson Agesa Adaka, 14. Derrick Ashihundu, 15.Jone Kubu

Replacements: Edwin Oyoo, Ephraim Oduor, Hillary Mwanjilwa, Hillary Odhiambo, David Bunduki, Collins Indeche, Barry Robinson, Felix Ayange,

Strathmore Leos: 1. Gabriel Adero. (C) 2. Clinton Khasai. 3. Tony Kaiko. 4. Alton Chasia. 5. Stanslaus Shikoli. 6. George Ooro. 7. Bethwel Muteshi. 8. Barnabas Owuor. 9. Arnold Muita. 10. Matoka Matoka. 11. Brunson Madigu. 12. Patrick Kluivert. 13. Richard Liva. 14. Elton Amalemba. 15. Joseph Ayiro.

Replacements: Maxwell Atera. 17. Arnold Omollo 18. Reagan Juma. 19. Tony Okello. 20. Philemon Olang. 21. Wiseman Aganya. 22. Festus Safari 23. Gideon Makumi. (C)