If you are in pursuit of an epic clash this weekend, then you could do far worse than make your way up to the Impala Club grounds on Ngong Road on Saturday night. There, in probably chilly conditions, there’s a clash between the two sides that dominated fifteens rugby in Kenya last season; the reigning Kenya Cup and Enterprise Cup champions Top Fry Nakuru, and the club they beat to both titles, but who incidentally are the defending Impala Floodlit champions, KCB. The past season has seen the Nakuru v KCB fixture not just shape up to be an epic rugby match – it has also shaped up to be a barometer of power in the local club game.
The two sides reached the semi-final in contrasting fashion. KCB rallied from a 0-11 half time deficit against hosts Resolution Impala Saracens, posting a narrow 25-19 result that set up the date against a side they have not beaten since the 2011/2012 league season and while this may be a pre-season fixture, there is the small issue of pride to play for and of course the bigger issue of reaching the Floodies final.
The bankers will have to take this game by the scruff of the neck and establish dominance right from kick off. Former Kenyan international scrum half Felix Wanjala who was used to great effect last weekend against Impala will again be called upon to rally the side, serving as the link between his forwards and backs. Curtis Olago opted to field youth and experience, blooding the likes of Kenya U-19 internationals Billy Isabwa and Marlin Mukolwe with the likes of Brian Sagara and Curtis Lilako. He is very likely to stick to the same squad though he will have to make do with the absence of skipper Philip Wamae who was concussed last weekend and must,as a result sit out this fixture.
League and cup champions Nakuru on the other hand reached the semis with a comfortable 30-8 win over Homeboyz, barely getting out of first gear in this fixture. They have in the recent past had KCB’s number and will be to continue their recent dominance over the bankers on Saturday night. Head Coach Dominique Habimana has elected to blend youth and experience and will upon the likes of Mike Okombe, Allan Odiyo, Kelvin Omiyo and David Kivuti who was impressive against Homeboyz. The Wanyore come into this fixture minus Coleman Were who was sent off last weekend.
This is sure to be an enthralling fixture. It kicks off at 7.30pm
