KRU Nationwide: NYS Spades and Kisii RFC set for title showdown in Ruaraka
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Reading Time: 2min | Sat. 10.05.25. | 08:34
Both teams have already punched their tickets to the 2025/26 KRU Championship
The curtains of a pulsating 2024/25 Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) Nationwide league fall on Saturday, 10 May, when NYS Spades host Kisii RFC in a high-stakes final at the NYS Headquarters in Ruaraka.
Both teams have already punched their tickets to the 2025/26 KRU Championship, and for this match, pride and silverware is on the line.
NYS Spades' journey to the final has been anything but straightforward.
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Initially knocked out by Sigalagala National Polytechnic, they were handed a lifeline after a successful protest revealed their opponents had fielded an ineligible player.
With their campaign revived, Spades grabbed the opportunity with both hands, edging Kenya Prisons 14-12 in a tense playoff at the Prison Staff College in Ruiru on Saturday, 3 May.
NYS Squad
They will be led by captain Keith Embwaga and vice-captain Noah Jedy. Their starting lineup features a solid forward pack of Atanus Wafula, Emmanuel Ochieng, and Joseph Kilula in the front row, while Jedy partners with Barney Mujibi in the second row.
Collince Odoyo and Mike Mwangi are tasked with duties on the flanks, with Dennis Pombo anchoring at number 8.
Hussein Ibrahim and Peter Muasya form the halfback duo, with pace from wingers Dennis Walubengo and Eugene Kinoti.
Embwaga and Anthony Kikurata will marshal the midfield, while Paddy Abebe holds down the fullback position.
Kisii RFC, on the other hand, sealed their place in the final with a gritty 13-6 victory over Administration Police Warriors at Kisii High School. This brought an end to their five-year wait to return to the second tier.
Their momentum is further boosted by head coach Lee Arstone, who recently attained his World Rugby Level 2 (15s) coaching accreditation, a fitting reward after a season of success across both school and club levels.
Kisii RFC squad
Arstone has named a seasoned squad for the final, with Samson Mapesa, Shawn Calvin, and Ahmed Ismail forming the front row.
The second row will be manned by Stafford Nyambane and Franklin Baraza, while flanker duties fall to John Paul Obiri and captain Evans Makori. Victor Gichana will slot in at number 8.
Veron Dan and Lenny Obiero take the reins at scrum-half and fly-half respectively, supported on the wings by Frank Mulesi and Arthur Rhodrick.
The midfield duo of Clifford Nyabwairi and Abel Oyaro will provide both defense and creativity, with Walter Aiko at fullback.
Match Officials
Rodney Kipkoech will serve as the center referee for the clash, assisted by Reynold Kaunda and Oscar Ndereva.
With promotion already secured, both sides will now turn their attention to ending their Nationwide campaigns on a high.
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