Thrilling double header on the cards as Kenya Cup action returns

After a month-long break, the Kenya Cup action resumes on Saturday, 11 January. The season took a break to pave the way for the festive season.

One of the key matchups is the Ngong Road Derby between Kenya Harlequin and Impala RFC. The match will be curtain raised by a fixture pitting Mwamba RFC and KCB Rugby. Before that, the ESS teams will prove their mettle, making it an action-packed day.

Kenya Harlequin vs Impala RFC – RFUEA, 4PM

This marks the first encounter between the two sides since the 2021/22 season, when Impala suffered a 29-20 defeat during the regular season—a result that played a significant role in their eventual relegation.

Quins, under the tutelage of inexhaustible former Kenya 7s coach Paul Murunga, remain unbeaten this season, while Impala has managed just one victory, against South Coast Pirates.

Nakuru RFC vs Menengai Oilers – Nakuru Athletic Club, 4pm

The Nakuru Derby promises to be another thrilling encounter. Nakuru RFC will take on Menengai Oilers at the Nakuru Athletics Club, kicking off at 4:00 p.m.

Last season, the Oilers claimed their first-ever victory at the venue with a hard-fought 19-10 win, adding more fire to this growing rivalry.

With Nakuru RFC still searching for their first win of the season, they’ll be determined to turn their fortunes around in front of their home crowd.

Strathmore Leos vs Kabras RFC - Strathmore University Sports Complex, Madaraka, 4 PM

Defending champions Kabras RFC will travel to Nairobi for their second away game of the season, taking on Strathmore Leos at Strathmore Sports Complex in Madaraka.

The Sugarmen have been in classy form, winning all their opening matches. Their last win before the season went on a break was a thrilling 137-7 victory over Kisumu RFC.

That score made the Lakeside team hand them (Kabras) a walkover in the Enterprise pre-quarter match.

Strathmore Leos too had a rocky start to the season and will be seeking to utilize the home advantage to emerge victorious. However, going past Kabras RFC will prove to be an uphill task for the students.

Mwamba RFC vs KCB Rugby – RFUEA Grounds, 2 pm

Mwamba RFC, who recently announced the Goan Institute as their new home ground, will face KCB Rugby in a match set to take place at the RFUEA Grounds, with an early 2:00 p.m. kickoff.

The match will curtain-raise the fixture between Kenya Harlequin and Impala RFC.

This fixture also marks a significant moment for Mwamba’s head coach Mark Mshilla, who will face his former side KCB for the first time since his departure following the expiry of his contract.

The side started the season on the wrong footing, losing all their opening matches by a wide margin.

Their 89-12 loss to KCB Rugby in the Enterprise Cup pre-quarter-final match showcased their weak areas.

They have however bolstered their squad with the return of Steven Sikuta and Shaban Ahmed. The experienced duo will be looking to propel the team to winning ways.

Kisumu RFC vs South Coast Pirates – Mamboleo Showground, 3 pm

In Kisumu, the local side will meet South Coast Pirates at Mamboleo Grounds at 3:00 p.m. in a clash dedicated to the Memorial Cup match for former Kisumu RFC Chairman Fidel Odinga.

Odinga, the son of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, passed away unexpectedly on January 4, 2015, at the age of 41 in his Karen home.

Kisumu RFC set for 10-year remembrance of late Fidel Odinga in next Kenya Cup fixture

His death sent shockwaves through the rugby fraternity, with his contributions to the sport and to Kisumu RFC particularly celebrated.

On the day of his burial, January 10, 2015, all Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) matches observed a moment of silence in his memory.

Before the match, Kisumu RFC will pay homage to the late Chairman.

Blak Blad vs Nondies RFC – Kenyatta University, 3 pm

The final fixture of the day pits Kenyatta University’s Blak Blad who will welcome Nondies RFC at 3:00 pm.

The two sides will meet again following the 2024 Impala Floodlights third-place final where Nondies edged Blak Blad 31-15 to clinch third position.

The students will be on a revenge mission. History has also proven that Blad rarely drop points on their home turf and they will be keen to prove once again why they are such a tough nut to crack at home.

Former Kenya Harlequin winger Tony Khadambi's Uganda rodeo continues

Kenya Cup Week 4 fixtures

Kenya Harlequin vs Impala RFC – 4:00 p.m. – RFUEA Grounds

Nakuru RFC vs Menengai Oilers – 4:00 p.m. – Nakuru Athletics Club

Strathmore Leos vs Kabras RFC – 4:00 p.m. – Strathmore Sports Complex, Madaraka

Mwamba RFC vs KCB Rugby – 2 PM, RFUEA Grounds

Kisumu RFC vs South Coast Pirates – 3:00 p.m. – Mamboleo Grounds

Blak Blad vs Nondies – 3:00 p.m. – Kenyatta University