Quins keen to cause upset as 2023/24 Kenya Cup begins

The 2023/24 Kenya Cup season is set to kick off on Saturday, December 2 in different venues across the country.

Kenya Harlequins vs Catholic Monks - RFUEA Grounds

Kenya Harlequins will be eager to start their season on a high when they welcome Catholic Monks at the RFUEA Grounds on Saturday.

The Quins will be keen to go past their last season's performance where they finished at position four. The Quins lost all their three opening matches before bouncing back to win all the remaining eight matches to qualify for the semi-final stage. They would however lose 22-8 to Kabras RFC after a spirited performance at the semifinal.

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According to coach Paul Murunga, they aim to reach the final stage. He further noted that the healthy preseason would pay off. They enjoyed the services of former Kabras RFC tactician Henry Du Plessis who stepped into Murunga's shoes when he was out with the Lionesses.

The Quins lost their key players; Wilhite Mususi and Elkeans Musonye who were dropped in by KCB Rugby and Menengai Oilers respectively. Despite that, the Murunga was confident that the remaining squad was still intact.

"The boys are prepared. A month ago, they had Henry Du Plessis who brought a new version and type of coaching. Together with what we have, we have made a strong solid team.

Most of them have mastered their setpieces and we have younger players like Laban Kipsang and Patrick Wainaina. There is a good blend between the junior and the upcoming players. We are looking forward to having a successful season and getting into the finals," Murunga told Mozzart Sport.

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KCB Rugby vs Nondescripts - Ruaraka Grounds

2022/23 Kenya Cup finalists KCB Rugby and Kenya Cup newbies Nondies RFC are set to renew rivalry when they lock horns in their first 2023/24 Kenya Cup season match penciled for the Ruaraka Grounds.

Nondies RFC were promoted to the top tier after the concluded 2022/23 season after defeating South Coast Pirates 39-10 while KCB narrowly missed the 2022/23 title following a 19-9 loss to Kabras RFC.

This match will be a repeat of the 2023 Impala Floodlights where KCB narrowly edged the determined Nondies RFC 25-23 to claim a 10th-record Impala Floodlights title. The match was played up to the 106th minute. Nondies will be on the hunt for a win to make their statement in the top tier.

Kabras RFC vs Kisumu RFC - ASK Kakamega Showground

Kabras RFC will kick off their title defense against Kenya Cup newbies Kisumu RFC. The latter will not enjoy the services of their coach Lawi Buyachi who moved to Menengai Oilers.

They will be under the tutelage of Fabian Olando. The lakeside men will be praying for survival as they tackle their opponents this season.

Mwamba RFC vs Blak Blad - Nairobi Railway Club

Kenyatta University's Blak Blad will make a short trip to the Nairobi Railway Club to tackle Mwamba RFC. Both teams narrowly lost the playoffs in the previous season and will be keen to make a comeback.

If their performance in the 2023 Impala Floodlights is anything to go by, the students could be on the right track to excellence. They defied all the odds to the semifinal stage where they narrowly went down 20-14 to Nondies RFC.

They have also played friendlies with neighboring clubs, defeating Zetech University 18-8, Homeboyz RFC 10-5, and suffered a narrow 22-20 defeat at the hands of Daystar Falcons.

"The emphasis has been on bridging the gap between senior players and junior players so we could have a larger pool of players to select from. Guys have stepped up as you can see from the Floodies tournament, it was a whole new team playing," Blak Blad RFC's coach Benard Rotich said.

Menengai Oilers vs Homeboyz RFC - ASK Nakuru Showground

Nakuru-based Menengai Oilers will start their Kenya Cup campaign with a date against Homeboyz RFC. The Deejayz showcased great play during the National 7s Circuit, which they will be looking to replicate when the season begins

Oilers' performance in the 2023 Impala Floodlights also left much to be desired. The side narrowly lost 14-11 to Kenyatta University’s Blak Blad in the Impala Floodlights third-place playoff that served as the curtain-raiser for the finals.

"We played build-up matches during the floodlights which gave us good feedback on areas we needed to improve," the former Nakuru RFC coach said.

Nakuru RFC vs Strathmore Leos - Nakuru Athletic Club

Strathmore Leos will be keen to make a comeback to the 15s version after ending their past campaign at position eight. They will be looking to carry their 7s form when they face off with Nakuru RFC. The latter on the other hand will miss the services of coach Kennedy Njoroge who guided them to an impressive sixth-place finish in the 2022/23 season.

KRU Kenya Cup fixtures - December 1

Kabras Sugar v Kisumu

Kenyatta University Blak Blad v Mwamba

Menengai Oilers v Homeboyz

KCB v Nondescript

Nakuru v Strathmore Leos

Kenya Harlequin v Catholic Monks