Varsity derby tops Kenya Cup week two bill

Strathmore Leos and Kenyatta University's Blak Blad are set to renew their rivalry when they face off at the Madaraka Grounds on Saturday at 3 pm.

The last time these two sides met in the 15s version of the game was during the 2023 Impala Floodlights quarterfinal on October 17 where Blak Blad narrowly saw off their fellow students 17-13 to proceed to the semifinals where they went down to Nondies RFC.

Strathmore Leos will be in the hunt for revenge. They narrowly edged Nakuru RFC 27-24 in their Kenya Cup opener and will be looking to build on that. They will also be capitalizing on their home advantage as well as the services of their tactician Louis Kisia who also coaches Kenya 7s national team; Shujaa.

Blak Blad on the other hand are anticipating a tough away duel. The Thika Road-based institution is bolstered by their hard-earned victory over Mwamba RFC in the opening match, a feat they have been searching for three years.

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"We have been going on with our training though with lesser numbers because of exams but still focused on what's coming," Rotich Kibet, the team's head coach said. "Expect the best from the boys every time they step on that field because that's what they prepare for; to give their best every other time they get the chance to."

Another highlight of the day will see the Impala Club host a triple header. Three Kenya Cup matches are set to take place from noon.

The opener will see Mwamba RFC welcome Menengai Oilers at noon before paving the way for the match pitting Nondies and Kenya Cup defending Champions Kabras RFC in a clash slated for 2:00 p.m. The Sugarmen will be looking to pick up from where they left off last Saturday to register another win. They heaped a 72-10 misery on hapless Kisumu RFC while their Eric Shirley Shield (ESS) team humbled Kisumu II 78-0.

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At 4 p.m., the teacher will meet the student as Kenya Harlequin square off with Homeboyz in the final match at the venue. The Quins are under the tutelage of coach Paul Murunga who brought Homeboyz RFC to life. It will be a finger-clicking match.

At the same time, Catholic Monks will welcome the eight-time Kenya Cup Champions, KCB Rugby, at Catholic Monks Grounds while Kisumu RFC mark their inaugural home match since their return to the top tier after earning promotion after the previous season. They will host Nakuru RFC at the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium. Both sides failed to sparkle in their opening matches and will be keen to shine.

KENYA CUP WEEK TWO FIXTURES

Match Day 2 | Saturday 9 December 2023

Mwamba v Menengai Oilers- 12:00 p.m, Impala Club

Nondescript v Kabras Sugar- 2 p.m, Impala Club

Homeboyz v Kenya Harlequin -4 p.m, Impala Club

Catholic Monks v KCB- 3 p.m, CUEA Grounds

Strathmore Leos v Blak Blad -3 p.m, Madaraka

Kisumu v Nakuru -3 p.m, Jomo Kenyatta Stadium