Will Kabras Sugar end Kenya Cup losing curse to KCB?

Kabras Sugar's Felix Ayange (centre) in action against Strathmore Leos. [Washington Onyango, Standard]

Three-time finalists Kabras Sugar will host the Kenya Cup final for the second consecutive season after knocking out Strathmore Leos in the semifinals played on Saturday, in Nandi.

The sugar men thrashed Leos 39-19 to book a date with rivals and defending champions KCB in the final for the fourth consecutive Kenya Cup season.

The bankers sailed through to their fourth straight final appearance under tactician Curtis Olago after edging out Menengai Oilers 35-17 in the second semifinal playoff in Nairobi.

KCB have come out stronger of the two in their last three finals meeting but Kabras Sugar head coach Dominique Habimana believes time has come for the Kakamega-based side to rise up to the occasion.

Habimana, who took over from Zimbabwean tactician Mzingaye Nyathi after leaving the side mid season, said Kabras has everything to win the championship.

“We have been trying to eliminate things that slow the progress of our system of play and replaced them with modern tactics and executions that have seen our system of play blossom throughout the season,” said Habimana.

“Now, Kabras has the ability to win the title and it is just a matter of time before we actualise this dream,” said the coach.

Kabras defeated KCB 30-23 in the regular season but Habimana is convinced the reigning champions will bring a different touch in the final.

Kabras Sugar's Asuman Mugerwa (left) in action against Strathmore Leos.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

“I don’t expect KCB to play the same way they did during the regular season. That was a league match but now we are heading to the championship final. They will come prepared and therefore, I expect the players to up their game and play better,” said Habimana.

Kabras Sugar will host the 2021 Kenya Cup final against KCB at the Nandi Bears Club on Saturday, in Nandi County. The sugar millers have been using the grounds since Western region was declared a Covid-19 hot spot zone.