Rugby: KCB edge Kabras to win fourth Kenya Cup title in a row

KCB RFC players celebrates scoring against Menengai Oilers RFC during their Kenya Cup Semifinal fixture at the KCB Sports club in Nairobi on August 28, 2021. KCB RFC won 35-17. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

The bankers captain Darwin Mukidza scored a sudden death penalty as KCB completed a second half comeback to defeat Kabras Sugar 28-25 in a thrilling Kenya Cup final played at the Nandi Bears Club in Nandi on Saturday.

Despite taking a comfortable 20-0 lead at the break, KCB never dies spirit in the finals came to haunt the sugar millers once again as they bagged their fourth Kenya Cup title in a row.

In a match which was marred by long stoppages with scary injuries, KCB scored three tries and a penalty to tie the scores at 25-25 at the end of the 80 minutes before a late penalty sealed the title.

Speaking after the win, KCB head coach Curtis Olago said he could not believe his eyes that they won the clubs eighth Kenya Cup title.

“Unbelievable! I give thanks to God for this opportunity to be part of history.”

“I congratulate the players, technical bench and all our fans for the support. It was a really entertaining game and I give thumps up to the players for not giving up,” said Olago.

South African fly half Ntabeni Dukisa gave Kabras an early 6-0 lead in the opening 20 minutes before two tries before the half hour mark saw Kabras stretch their lead to 20-0 at the break.

However, the final half belonged to KCB who reduced the gap to within 12 points after Jacob Ojee went over the white wash and Mukidza added a penalty to trail 20-8.

Despite Valerian Tendwa touching down for a 25-8 Kabras lead, the bankers did not give up with Mukidza drilling in a penalty for a 25-11 score.

With two minutes left, Andrew Amonde restored KCB’s hopes with a touchdown which was converted for a 25-18 before a late try by Vincent Onyala tied the scores at 25-25 at full time.

Two minutes into the extra time, Dukisa was unable to add three more points that would have given the trophy.

He would however rue his miss four minutes later after he knocked on the ball in his 22 leading to KCB winning it at the death after Mukidza kicked in for a 28-25 win.

“It was a very close game to lose after leading 20-0 but that is the way of the game. Congratulations to KCB for the win but we will be back. We have a young squad who came to play and showed their skills. Thanks to our fans and see you next season,” said Kabras coach Dominque Habimana.

Kabras Sugar scrum half Brian Tanga was awarded with the Kenya Cup Top Try Scorer award after finishing with seven tries as his counterpart Ntabeni Dukisa won the Top Points Scorer award.