KRU Championship: Pirates, Impala seek bragging rights

Rugby fans are lacing their boots to witness the first-ever Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) Championship final match in the Coastal region.

The match will pit Diani-based South Coast Pirates and Impala Saracens at the Seacrest Grounds, the Pirates’ home ground.

The two sides have already qualified for the Kenya Cup league and will be looking for bragging rights in this match.

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Pirates defeated favorites Daystar Falcons 30-15 in the semifinal match while former Kenya Cup side Impala narrowly saw off Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) Rugby 12-11 to qualify for the final stage.

This is not the first time the two sides have locked horns at the Diani-based grounds. During the 2022/23 season, they locked horns in the regular season with the Pirates securing a 20-17 victory.

Last season, Pirates humbled Impala 26-18 to proceed to the semifinals where they were defeated 38-10 by Nondies RFC.

Impala started the season on a low, but they regained momentum at the crucial stage of the tournament, eliminating Western Bulls and MMUST.

They won only six games in the regular season and conceded the most points among playoff teams (172). Impala RFC managed to score a total of 188 points.

With a recent resurgence in form, Impala RFC enters the match against SC Pirates with confidence, poised to potentially upset the hosts.

They will be up against a Kevin Amiani-coached side which will be hoping to glow later in the afternoon.

In an exclusive interview with Mozzart Sport ahead of the match, the youthful tactician noted that his charges were ready for the challenge ahead. He noted that their Kenya Cup promotion was their main motivating factor heading to the match.

“We have prepared well for this match. The team is also mentally prepared for the challenge. We have met Impala before and we are aware that they are worthy opponents, and we will approach the match with utmost seriousness. Qualifying for the Kenya Cup has been our biggest achievement this season. We want to finish on a high as well,” Amiani told Mozzart Sport.

The coach has included Ibrahim Nyongesa on the starting list. Nyongesa replaces retired Watiko at number eight. The duo of Ali Rashid and Kelly Akengo of the magical boots will partner at number nine and 10 respectively.

SC Pirates squad

1.Timothy Osaji 2. Newton Okeyo 3. Evans Mwakio 4.Ken wambua 5.Collins Kabayo 6.Charles Okwemba 7.Gilbert Ochieng 8.Ibrahim Nyongesa 9.Ali Rashid 10.Kelly Akengo 11.Brighton Omondi 12.Joseph Musyoki 13.Charles Tendwa 14 .Bakari Hassan 15.Deven Abuga 16.Sospeter Rofino 17.Leon Oloo 18.Abdalla Mohammed 19.Benedict Wesonga 20.James Ainea 21.John Asega 22.Clifford Odhiambo 23.Anthony Abonyo Reserve 24.Mwinyi Juma

Impala squad

1.Warren Akaranda 2. Dalvin Mwangi 3. Brian Ochieng’ 4. Tyson Okoth 5. Brian Owino 6. Victor Imela 7. Clinton Musonye 8. Onesmus Kinyanjui 9. James Mwangi 10. Obat Churchill 11. Derrick Kinyari 12. Israel Soi 13. Peter Wabwire 14. Timothy Makiya 15. Quinto Ongo