Kenya Cup: Why Nondies can't afford to smile just yet

Nondies' Sankara Wafula in action against KCB. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

The 2023-2024 Kenya Cup season entered week two over the weekend, and it's already proving to be a rollercoaster ride with record champions Nondescripts facing a challenging start in the top-flight league.

Fresh from gaining promotion after playing in the second-tier Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) Championship last season, Nondies, the most successful club with 17 Kenya Cup titles, finds itself struggling to keep up with the pace.

The 2022 relegation marked a historic low for Nondies, the first time in the club's history since its formation in 1923.

The club, boasting most titles and winning the inaugural edition in 1975, had to regroup in the Championship.

Their dominance in the second-tier competition set them apart, ultimately securing their return to the Kenya Cup with much optimism.

However, reality struck hard on December 2 when KCB handed Nondies a resounding 45-8 defeat during the season opener.

Last Saturday, defending champions Kabras Sugar added to Nondies' woes, reducing them to amateurs with a comprehensive 40-0 victory.

The slow start raises questions about Nondies' ability to rise to the occasion or face the risk of another relegation.

Despite Nondies' struggles, other teams showcased stellar performances on matchday two. KCB Rugby Club demonstrated their prowess by thrashing Catholic Monks 79-19, making a strong statement early in the season.

Kenya Harlequin wasn't far behind, securing an impressive 52-0 victory against Homeboyz. Menengai Oilers also made a statement with a dominant 67-0 win over Mwamba.

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Nondies to see if they can bounce back from their slow start.