Pirates chasing history in crunch semi against Daystar Falcons

Diani-based South Coast Pirates are sharpening their talons in readiness for their crucial semifinal match against Daystar Falcons slated for March 23 at Seacrest Grounds in Kwale.

The Kevin Amiani-coached side has been in sleek form this season, managing nine wins out of the 10 matches played.

They avoided the playoff after finishing second on the log with 41 points to book a direct home semi-final.

This will be their third attempt to climb to the top tier.

In the 2021/22 and 2022/23 seasons, they came close to securing their promotion, but were edged out by Mean Machine and Nondies respectively.

This time around, coach Amiani insisted that this was a do-or-die season for them.

“When I came in, I gave myself three seasons to climb to the Kenya Cup. The first time, we were not ready, and we were surprised by how we got to the top. The second attempt was stopped by Nondies. This time around, we will be keen to shine,” Amiani told Mozzart Sport.

Pirates have fallen to the Falcons in the past, but they have never hosted the students at their home ground.

The temperatures in Diani often prove unbearable to the teams, and this time will be no different.

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Amiani noted that they were keen to capitalize on the home advantage to emerge victorious.

“We will fight tooth and nail to gain all the points at home. Our fans also make us do our best,” the tactician offered.

One thing that has stood out during their matches is the competitiveness of the new faces in the squad.

Kelly Akeng’o, who was signed to the Pirates this season, has been in a class of his own, drilling in penalties and conversions despite the windy weather.

Brighton 'Zangi' Omondi, who was roped in from the Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) Marines, is also a force to be reckoned with, similar to Gilbert Ochieng, formerly of Nakuru RFC who managed a try.

For Amiani, the new players would bring in the much-needed depth for such high-intensity matches.

He was glad that they gelled with the rest of the team.

“Our hopes are resting on them,” the coach said.

Teams look forward to the Pirates' rise to the Kenya Cup not only because of the intense competition they offer, but also because it will be exciting to travel to the charming coast to play against them.

Their opponents Daystar Falcons had to battle for a place in the last four against Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) and won 24-7 to reach another semifinal.

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KRU Championship Semis

Semis | Match Day 13 | Saturday 23 March 2024

MMUST v Impala RFC

South Coast Pirates v Daystar Falcons

Match Day 14 | Saturday 4 April 2024

Third Place Playoff (Loser SF1 v Loser SF2)

Final (Winner SF1 v Winner SF2)