Rai Derby rematch top of the bill as Enterprise Cup enters semifinal stage

The 2026 Enterprise Cup semifinals are set for Saturday, 11 April with a high-stakes “Rai Derby” between Kabras Sugar RFC and Menengai Oilers headlining the action.

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The two sides renew their growing rivalry with a place in the final on the line, in what has quickly become one of the most intense fixtures in Kenyan rugby.

Kabras head into the clash with momentum after a commanding 61-19 victory over Heathens RFC in the quarterfinals. Oilers matched that statement with a dominant 60-15 win against Toyota Buffaloes in Nakuru.

However, Kabras hold a slight psychological edge, having beaten Oilers 27-13 the last time the two teams met in the Kenya Cup on 14 March at the ASK Kakamega Showground.

The clash will also be a repeat of the 2025 Enterprise Cup final, where Kabras emerged victorious.

That result adds an extra layer to the semifinal clash, with Oilers out for redemption and Kabras keen to assert their dominance once again.

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Team news: Kabras vs Oilers

Kabras have named a competitive squad despite several key absences, including George Nyambua, Asuman Mugerwa and Barry Young, who are set to feature in the Hong Kong 10s. Jeanson Misoga also misses out due to injury.

There is, however, a boost with the inclusion of promising speedster Adrian Khwesa, who has earned a call-up after impressing in the Eric Shirley Shield. Ephraim Oduor, Eugene Sifuna and Edward Mwaura lead the front row, while Roy Maruti and Jone Kubu will steer play at halfback.

For Oilers, the focus will be on maintaining their physical dominance. The Nakuru-based side has retained a strong core, with captain Amos Obae leading the back row alongside Samuel Were and Collins Kabayo.

Clarkson Keegan and Abutwalib Wesonga form the halfback pairing, while Alvin Khavoli, fresh from a hat-trick in the quarterfinals adds firepower in the backline.

Pirates, Nondies clash in Kampala

In the second semifinal, Uganda’s Stanbic Bank Pirates will host Kenya’s Nondescripts RFC in Kampala.

Pirates edged out tournament favorites KCB Rugby 11-10 in the quarterfinals, while Nondies secured a 29-13 win over KCB Kobs to book their place in the last four.

Both teams have named strong squads packed with international experience. Pirates will rely on skipper Frank Kidega and playmakers Conrad Wanyama and William Nkore to control proceedings, while Nondies captain Ronnie Omondi is set to lead from the back, supported by a dynamic spine featuring Ian Mumbwani and Kelvin Sheunda.

Nondies head coach Wanyaga praised his side’s execution in the quarterfinal, particularly their defensive effort despite early struggles in the scrums.

“It was a beautiful performance. Our boys put into play what we trained and practiced for,” he said.

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Looking ahead, Wanyaga acknowledged the challenge posed by Pirates’ physical forwards but remains confident in his side’s ability to stretch the game.

“A top Ugandan side, very big forwards, but I think we can match them out wide,” he added.

With contrasting styles set to collide, Nondies are expected to rely on a fast, expansive approach to counter Pirates’ physicality.