Pirates keen to extend dominance in KRU Championship

As the 2023/24 Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) Championship regular season drags towards its conclusion this weekend, anticipation is building for an intense finale.

With match day 11 set to go down, teams are battling for supremacy, survival, and coveted playoff spots.

South Coast Pirates are in Nairobi, ready for their match against United States International University (USIU). The match kicks off at 3.00 pm at the USIU Grounds.

The Pirates who are under the guidance of coach Kevin Amiani are placed second on the log, separated from log leaders Daystar Falcons with three points. The Falcons top the league with 39 points.

The Diani-based club is fresh from a 102-3 victory over the University of Eldoret (UoE) Trojans while the students will be looking to avenge their 24-10 loss in the hands of Daystar Falcons.

Amiani has also selected the right squad for their last league match.

Timothy Osaji starts as the outer prop ahead of Leon Oloo who drops to the bench.

Newton Okeyo replaces Kenya chipu prospect Sospeter Rofino who is on the fire bench.

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Anthony Abonyo maintains the number 9 role for the second consecutive fixture ahead of the regular Ali Rashid.

Micky Odhiambo with his second appearance of the season will seek to repay Amiani's faith off the bench.

The new father in town, Cliphod Odhiambo is back in the team after successfully recovering from a knock.

If the Pirates win this match and Daystar and Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) Rugby fumble, the Pirates will top the table.

Speaking to Mozzart Sport ahead of the match, Amiani noted they were keen to secure a home final. He urged their fans to rally behind them as they expected a high-intensity match.

“We are happy to be in Nairobi. These are exciting times for the South Coast Pirates as we approach this crucial KRU Championship match. Our focus is on securing a home semifinal. The stakes are high, and we're hoping for a win. The team is determined, and we're prepared for a challenging encounter as we head into the last regular-season game before playoffs," the soft-spoken tactician noted.

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Meanwhile, one of the oldest clubs in the country, Nairobi University's Mean Machine RFC currently placed second last with only ten points faces a must-win clash against their varsity counterparts JKUAT Cougars.

Machine are hoping to evade the dreaded relegation axe and a win for the national capital-based outfit will see them survive.

MATCH DAY 11 Fixtures (SATURDAY 9 MARCH 2024) 3:00 pm.

UoE Trojans VS Impala University of Eldoret

USIU Martials VS S.C Pirates (USIU Ground)

Western Bulls VS Daystar Falcons (The Bullring)

Mombasa VS Masinde Muliro (Khamisi High School)

JKUAT Cougars VS Mean Machine (JKUAT Juja)