The Kenya Cup is back with a bang! After a month-long festive break, rugby action resumes on Saturday, January 11, promising fans an adrenaline-pumping weekend of thrilling double headers.
From fierce derbies to monumental rivalries, the stage is set for high-octane encounters across the country.
At the iconic RFUEA Grounds, fans will be treated to two gripping matches. The day kicks off at 2:00 p.m. with Mwamba RFC taking on KCB Rugby. Mwamba’s head coach Mark Mshilla will face his former side, KCB, for the first time since leaving the team.
#KenyaCup action resumes this weekend with two electrifying derbies as @KenyaHarlequins host @impalarfc in the ngong road derby and @wanyore welcome Oilers to Suguta Valley for the Nakuru derby. pic.twitter.com/qYjsL5L5wY
— Kenya Cup (@TheKenyaCup) January 6, 2025
It’s a must-watch clash as Mwamba, currently struggling with form, will rely on veterans Steven Sikuta and Shaban Ahmed to inspire a turnaround. However, KCB Rugby’s dominant form, including an 89-12 thrashing of Mwamba in the Enterprise Cup, puts the bankers as clear favorites.
This is gonna be LIT . The two tacticians going head to head this weekend at the RFUEA grounds.
ESS from 10am
Kenya Cup from 2pm.#RugbyKe #believe #commitment #lionheartedrugby pic.twitter.com/SAljZrmT7H— KCB Rugby Club (@kcbrugby) January 8, 2025
The spotlight then shifts to the Ngong Road Derby at 4:00 p.m., where unbeaten Kenya Harlequin lock horns with Impala RFC. Quins, under the dynamic leadership of ex-Kenya 7s coach Paul Murunga, are the team to beat this season.
Meanwhile, Impala RFC will be looking to build on their sole win of the season against South Coast Pirates. Will the derby deliver another epic chapter? Time will tell.
Nakuru Derby: A Battle for Pride at the Nakuru Athletic Club
Over at the Nakuru Athletic Club, Nakuru RFC hosts Menengai Oilers in a fiery Nakuru Derby kicking off at 4:00 p.m. The Oilers come in with confidence, having secured their first-ever win at this venue last season.
Nakuru RFC, on the other hand, is still chasing their first victory this campaign. The home crowd will undoubtedly rally behind their team as they aim to reverse their fortunes. With history and pride at stake, this derby promises fireworks.
Kabras RFC vs Strathmore Leos: Champions Aim to Extend Dominance
Defending champions Kabras RFC head to the Strathmore Sports Complex to face Strathmore Leos in a 4:00 p.m. showdown. The Sugarmen have been unstoppable this season, boasting a stunning 137-7 win over Kisumu RFC in their last outing.
Sasa tushafika Madaa, hawa ndio maguys wanagwara #KenyaCup na @strathleos27 hapo Cage. Hawa msaba wanakuanga wametuzoea sana, wacha tupatane sasa vulai #KabrasSugar#KenyasSweetest pic.twitter.com/AsFjHpCO8U
— Kabras Sugar RFC (@RfcKabras) January 10, 2025
While Strathmore Leos will hope to leverage their home advantage, overcoming a juggernaut like Kabras is no small feat. Expect a fierce battle as the Leos fight to reclaim their footing.
Kisumu RFC’s Emotional Memorial Match Against South Coast Pirates
In Kisumu, the local side will meet South Coast Pirates at the Mamboleo Showground in a 3:00 p.m. clash dedicated to the late Fidel Odinga. The former Kisumu RFC Chairman, remembered for his immense contributions to the club, passed away in 2015. As the team commemorates a decade since his untimely demise, the Lakeside faithful will be rooting for a victory to honor his legacy.
Blak Blad vs Nondies: Students Eye Revenge on Home Turf
At Kenyatta University, Blak Blad will host Nondies RFC at 3:00 p.m. This fixture is more than just a match for Blak Blad; it’s a chance for revenge after losing the 2024 Impala Floodlights third-place final to Nondies. With their formidable home record, the students are determined to showcase why they’re a force to reckon with on their turf. Can they turn the tables this time?
ALSO READ:
What to Expect This Weekend
Rugby fans are in for a treat as every game carries its own drama and significance. From high-stakes derbies to emotional tributes, this weekend’s Kenya Cup fixtures promise to deliver unforgettable moments. Whether you’re cheering from the stands or tuning in remotely, the action is not to be missed.
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 Athletic Club
- Strathmore Leos vs Kabras RFC – 4:00 p.m. – Strathmore Sports Complex, Madaraka
- Mwamba RFC vs KCB Rugby – 2:00 p.m. – RFUEA Grounds
- Kisumu RFC vs South Coast Pirates – 3:00 p.m. – Mamboleo Grounds
- Blak Blad vs Nondies – 3:00 p.m. – Kenyatta University
Why You Should Be Excited
The return of the Kenya Cup is a breath of fresh air for rugby enthusiasts. With a mix of seasoned contenders and hungry underdogs, the competition is fiercer than ever. From the electric atmosphere of the RFUEA Grounds to the emotional tribute at Mamboleo, each match offers something unique.
Don’t miss out on the action—it’s time to rally behind your team and witness the thrilling spectacle that is the Kenya Cup. Make your predictions, grab your jerseys, and let the games begin!
