It’s ‘third title in row’ dream for Nakuru as they open Kenya Cup campaign

Defending Kenya Cup champions Nakuru RFC are ready to battle it out for their third consecutive title as the league begins today in various venues across the country.

The champions have won the previous two campaigns and they begin their title defence against newly-promoted Catholic Monks at the Nakuru Athletics Club.

Nakuru RFC coach Dominique Habimana said they expect tougher opposition this season, but their main aim remains to win as many games and if possible keep an unbeaten record.

Habimana said they will take each game as it comes, with the view of making it to the semi-finals and eventually defending the title.

This will be a baptism of fire for the Catholic Monks, fresh from the Nationwide League where they were runners-up to Kabras who were also promoted to the Kenya Cup.

Kabras are scheduled to play against last season’s runners up KCB, who are eager to reclaim the trophy after a five-year drought.

Coach Curtis Olago has revealed he is aware what they need to do to improve on their performance from last season.

According to the former Kenya international, KCB can easily beat any team if they play to their potential.

This will be the debut season for Kabras in the season and they hope to ensure they are not relegated back to the Nationwide league.

Among the teams they will have to finish ahead is Mombasa, who narrowly missed relegation last season.

Mombasa are scheduled to host Strathmore at the Mombasa Sports Club in what is expected to be a tough match for them.

Strathmore coach Mitch Ocholla has already claimed that they have set their sights on a top four finish, which he believes will comes through consistency.

Ocholla will be taking no chances and will play a full-strength side, that is fresh from pre-season to kick start their campaign.

Among the other key features of the weekend, include an explosive fixture between Impala and Mwamba at the Railways Club.

New Impala coach Eric Situma is confident the Gazelles can rise back from the doldrums, after a run of poor games in the past two seasons.

Situma revealed to FeverPitch that he was impressed by the talent he has seen at Impala and is optimistic they can contend for the title.

Mwamba on the other hand may have at their disposal their national team players, who always lift the team when they are available.

Other matches of the weekend will see Nondies host Western Bulls at the Jamhuri Grounds whereas Homeboyz will play Mean Machine at the RFUEA grounds in a match that will preceed the Kenya Harlequins versus Blak Blad encounter. Nationwide league and Eric Shirley Cup matches are on card today.