KRU Championship: Coastal showdown expected as Pirates face Mombasa RFC

Rugby fans in the Coastal region are gearing up for amazing action from arch-rivals South Coast Pirates and Mombasa RFC in a Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) Championship match slated for the Seacrest Grounds on Saturday, 3 pm.

The match is considered one of the biggest rivalries in the KRU Championship side.

The last time these two sides faced off was during their preseason friendly match, where the Pirates staged a comeback to see off Mombasa RFC 22-12.

Before this encounter, they had met during the third edition of the Memorial George Barbour Cup which was played on October 21 where the Pirates suffered a narrow 8-3 loss to their opponents.

This time round, the Pirates are rejuvenated after receiving a walkover from Western Bulls in their KRU Championship opener match.

They will be looking to kick off their season in style.

Mombasa RFC on the other hand will be looking to make a statement after going down 34-5 to Daystar Falcons in their opening match.

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They were promoted to the Championship in the 2022/23 season and are out to shine.

Speaking to Mozzart Sport, Pirates coach Kevin Amiani insisted that this was a do-or-die season for his charges.

The youthful tactician anticipates an uphill task this season, but he noted that they were ready to climb to the Kenya Cup side.

"It's a very important tie, it's the biggest rivalry in the KRU championship right now, we are aiming to bag the maximum points for it's going to boost our confidence to end this year on a high note," he disclosed.

On his expectations, the youthful and soft-spoken tactician offered that he was counting on the home support of their fans who never disappoint.

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"I am expecting good rugby and lots of emotions for players, technical and fans," he averred.

"This is the match that brings the best out of us. I know the atmosphere is going to be on another level this weekend."

Former Kenya Cup side Mean Machine are set for their first match of the season when they host their fellow students Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) Rugby at the University of Nairobi Grounds.

Elsewhere, Western Bulls will welcome former Kenya Cup side Impala RFC as they look to earn their first points of the season on home turf.

Impala RFC defeated United States International University (USIU) Martials 38-5 in their opening match and will be keen to extend their winning streak.

The match pitting Kabarak University and USIU Martials has been postponed.

This year’s competition features 11 teams, following the withdrawal of Shamas Rugby.

KRU Championship Week Two fixtures

USIU Martials Vs Kabarak University (postponed)

Western Bulls Vs Impala ( The Bull Ring) - 3 pm

Mombasa RFC Vs S.C. Pirates (Seacrest Ground) - 3 pm

JKUAT Cougars Vs Daystar Falcons (JKUAT ground) - 3 pm

Mean Machine Vs MMUST (UoN Ground) - 3 pm