Teams battle for Kenya Cup play-off slots

Cliff Okoth of strathmore University in action against Blak Blad during their Kenya cup rugby match at University of nairobi grounds on 15-11-2015.PHOTO/DENNIS OKEYO

The fight for a place in this year's Kenya Cup League play-offs intensifies today with a couple of high-octane matches as the season nears its penultimate stage.

League leaders Homeboyz (59), who have not tested defeat this year, will be seeking to extend their eight-game unbeaten run when they face-off with sixth placed play-offs chasing Nakuru at Nakuru Athletics Club.

But it will not be a walk in the park for the Deejays as the Wanyore desperately need a victory to keep their play-offs hopes alive.

Second placed Kenya Harlequin (58) tackle third placed Kenya Commercial Bank (56) in an equally explosive match as both teams battle for a top two finish and an automatic home semi-final advantage.

The winner of this fixture could actually go top of the summit heading into the final round of action, depending on the result between Nakuru and Homeboyz.

But with all the top three teams chasing a home semi-final advantage, Quins coach Joel Ng’ang’a is braced for a difficult match against the wounded former champions, who lost 27-24 to their Ngong Road rivals Impala last weekend.

“We are still focused on going back to top and with KCB coming at home we have an advantage. The boys are still confident after the Kabras win.

"I think that was good build up ahead of this game and the play-offs,” Ng’ang’a told Feverpitch.

“But it will not be an easy game as all the top three teams (Homeboyz, Quins and KCB) are chasing a home semi-final. Today’s result will definitely set precedence on where the Cup will go this season.”

While the top three teams will be fighting for a home semi-final advantage, champions Kabras Sugar (46), who are fifth on the log, will be locking horns with fourth placed Impala (51) in another exciting match in Kakamega.

Seventh placed Mwamba (41) will be at Jamhuri Park to battle hosts Strathmore as they eye a top six finish.

Just like the play-offs spots’ battle, there is plenty of heat and lots to play for in the relegation zone.