USIU host Mean Machine in battle for play offs

Mark Ongayo of Nondies (white) and Marvin Karui of Mean Machine (Blue) in action during dala 7s rugby tournament at Mamboleo showground on August 10th 2019. [Collins Oduor, Standard]

United States International University-Africa (USIU) RFC will be seeking to consolidate their playoff qualification place when they host Mean Machine in a KRU Championship match today.

USIU Martials find themselves within the playoff bracket after struggling in the first few games and captain Eliud Mulakoli is keen to guide his side to their fifth win this season.

Mulakoli said they are confident of edging out the former Kenya Cup side having defeated them during the first leg at their home ground.

“Machine is an experienced side but we are determined to stop them once more with our target to finish in the playoff spot,” he said.

Second-placed Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) will entertain ninth-placed Catholic Monks in Kakamega in the second university derby as they seek to catch up with runaway leaders Strathmore Leos.

The University of Eldoret ground will host a doubleheader as Eldoret RFC welcomes table-toppers Strathmore Leos.

With six rounds of action left, Leos captain Gabriel Adero is confident of a home semi-final qualification as they seek to make their return to the Kenya Cup.

“It has not been an easy journey but now we are almost there. We are ready for the Eldoret game and looking forward for another win,” he said.

Strathmore are currently unbeaten in the championship and lead the table with 48 points, eight more than second-placed MMUST.

The other match will be between hosts University of Eldoret Trojans and South Coast Pirates with the hosts pushing for their fourth win of the season.

In Gusii, relegation-threatened Kisii RFC will host Mombasa RFC in the bottom of the table clash as fourth-placed Northern Suburbs host Egerton Wasps.