Kabras, KCB seeking to dislodge Cup leaders Oilers

KCB's Francis Mwita (centre) is tackled by Harlequins' Michael Habachi (left) and Mark Mongo during a Kenya Cup past match. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Kabras Sugar RFC and KCB will be seeking to reclaim top spot in the Kenya Cup standings when they return to action today after missing last weekend matches.

The two local heavyweights lost the top spot to Menengai Oilers who beat Nakuru RFC last week.

Kabars Sugar will be hoping to make it two wins in a row when they face Kenya Harlequin at the RFUEA Grounds, which will host a double header with Nondescripts making their first appearance of the season against Strathmore Leos in an early kick off.

Kabras edged out Quins in their last meeting last month during the Kenya Cup curtain raiser to win the Sisimuka Cup and Kabras head coach Mzingaye Nyathi is expecting the same results.

Nyathi said the boys are excited and looking forward to the game after benefiting from two-week rest.

“The bye week has been good to the body; the physios have had time to do rehabilitation on players. Only one player is still on return to play protocols.

“Otherwise, we have a full squad to select from and we are just working on getting the right combination and managing our rotation policy,” said Nyathi.

The Zimbabwean tactician believes Quins have been getting better with each outing and they will be a hard nut to crack.

“I think they are getting their plans going. I am sure there will be more determination on their end.

"We continue to maintain our approach of assessing ourselves according to the targets set per game,” he added.

The sugar millers head into the match placed second in the standings with 10 points, same as defending champions KCB who will be taking on an impressive Kenyatta University side Blak Blad at KCB Sports Club which will also host another double header.

KCB will be aiming to register their third consecutive bonus win of the season when they play Blak Blad in the early kick off match before Mwamba entertain Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology who are searching for their first win of the season.

“We have improved during our last two matches and despite not winning the team, is slowly coming together. The chemistry between the defence and attack is starting to flow and after resting last weekend I believe we stand a chance,” MMUST captain Kevin Abuga said.

In Nakuru, Kenya Cup leaders Oilers will be at home to Impala Saracens.