Six matches on the card as Kenya Cup enters Week Eight

The Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) Kenya Cup week eight fixtures have been released with six matches on the card, set to take place on Saturday, February 10, in different parts of the country.

Menengai Oilers vs Nondies RFC, Nakuru Showground, 3 pm

The Oilers will welcome Nondies RFC at the Nakuru Showground. The Oilers head to this match like wounded lions. They suffered a 33-16 loss at the hands of Kenya Harlequin this past weekend and will be keen to avenge it.

The defeat saw the Nakuru-based side suffer their first defeat of the season, leaving them tied in third with Quins on 28 points—seven behind champions Kabras.

According to coach Gibson Weru, defensive errors cost them.

“I believe the game's final quarter is where we made several errors. Our set piece fell apart, and we could not dominate up front. We also gave a couple of penalties in certain areas, which hurt us,” Weru said.

With the loss behind him, the tactician said they were focusing on the upcoming fixtures to redeem themselves.

"We have some tricky fixtures coming up, and the loss to Quins means we have to go back to the drawing board to see where we can improve. We must also ensure we are in peak condition by the time the playoffs arrive in March," said Weru.

Nondies on the other hand, narrowly won 21-20 against the Strathmore Leos and will be out to bag another victory.

Kisumu RFC vs KCB Rugby, Kisumu Polytechnic, 4 pm

KCB Rugby will make a long trip to the Lakeside to tackle Kisumu RFC. The Bankers will be keen to extend their fine run after going unbeaten in the past seven matches. They sit second on the log with 34 points, just a point behind log leaders Kabras RFC.

Their opponents, on the other hand, will be out to pick a win at home after their 16-16 draw with Homeboyz RFC.

Kenya Harlequin vs Kabras Sugar, RFUEA Ground, 3 pm

Paul Murunga coached Kenya Harlequin and will welcome log leaders Kabras RFC in a clash of ages. Quins have suffered only a 9-3 loss against Kenyatta University's Blak Blad while the Sugarmen have not suffered a beating since the season kicked off.

Both teams will be looking to showcase resilience, skill, and determination to emerge victorious in this match.

Blak Blad vs CUEA Monks, Kenyatta University, 3 pm

The Catholic University of East Africa (CUEA) Monks will make a short trip to Thika Road to lock horns with Kenyatta University's Blak Blad.

CUEA Monks currently sit at position 11 on the log with five points, and they will be looking to save themselves from relegation.

They will, however, be up against a determined Blak Blad side which has had its fair share of ups and downs this season. They will be looking to bounce back from their 47-6 defeat in the hands of KCB Rugby in week six action.

Kabras, Nakuru RFC coaches reflect on weekend's duel

Nakuru RFC vs Homeboyz RFC - Nakuru Athletic Club, 3 pm

Nakuru will welcome Homeboyz RFC at their home ground, keen to avenge their loss at the hands of Kabras RFC. The Kennedy Njoroge-coached side suffered a 66-7 loss to Kabras RFC in their last match.

They will be keen to utilize the home advantage to emerge victorious.

Their opponents, Homeboyz RFC, are on the verge of relegation and will be seeking to amass maximum points in Nakuru.

Strathmore Leos vs Mwamba RFC, Strathmore Sports Ground, 3 pm

Mokoro stars as Kenya Harlequin edge Menengai Oilers

Strathmore Leos will be in the hunt for a win when they host Mwamba RFC at the institution's grounds in Nairobi.

The students have registered a roller coaster of results to see them sit in a worrying eighth position with 10 points. They will be keen to bag as many points as possible as the battle for the playoffs heats up.

Mwamba RFC have recorded two consecutive wins and will be looking to pick up from there.