Former champions KCB face Menengai Oilers test in Kenya Cup semis

KCB's Peter Waitere (right) in action against Oilers.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

Eight time champions KCB will on Saturday seek revenge when they welcome Menengai Oilers at Ruaraka ahead of the nail-biting Kenya Cup semifinals.

KCB and Menengai Oilers clash for the fourth consecutive time in a Kenya Cup semi-final since 2021.

Their recent encounter in Match Day 10 saw Oilers clinch a 21-7 victory at the Nakuru Showground.

With a final berth at stake, this matchup promises intense competition, with particular focus on the battle between scrumhalves Samuel Asati of KCB and Samson Onsomu of the Oilers, a pivotal factor in shaping the outcome of the fixture.

KCB head coach Curtis Olago has expressed optimism in his charges ahead of today’s clash against Oilers at Ruaraka Sports Club.

The veteran tactician believes his team has what it takes to knock out the Nakuru side out of the title race as this will be a must win match for the bankers who lost to Gibson Weru’s boys during the league phase of the season.

“Last week, we camped at Karen for four days in preparation for this tough encounter against a good side. We know the weight of the opponent, so we are out to be clinical in every part of the pitch. We want to reclaim our Kenya Cup title but first, we must knock the Oilers out of the competition,” said Olago.

KCB's Davis Chenge (left) in action against Menengai Oilers.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

KCB will be welcoming back the veteran backrows Davis Chenge and Martin Owila, guiding the young locks Andycole Omollo and Emmanuel Silungi in the forwards.

Fullback Darwin Mukidza, Samuel Asati at scrumhalf, and Vincent Onyala at centre will inject the much-needed experience in the back line that will most likely feature the destructive center Bob Muhati, Trevor Arina and fly half Brian Wahinya.

“We are happy with the return of our key players. Onyala will give us the experience we need at the back while Asati’s silky moves will enable us to break the Oilers defence. Chenge was also out, and we are happy he joins a very hungry team ready for the challenge,” added Olago.

The bankers will be looking to overturn the 27-10 result at the refinery as they look to knock out Oilers from their quest for first ever Kenya Cup title.

The Oilers will be visiting the Den for the first time this season with a hope of replicating their 2021/2022 season form, which saw them neutralize KCB’s threat at their own backyard.