Kisumu arrest South Coast Pirates to pick first Kenya Cup win
Rugby
By
Washington Onyango
| Jan 11, 2025
Kisumu RFC celebrated a landmark victory at Mamboleo Stadium in Kisumu on Saturday after defeating South Coast Pirates 38-9 in front of an enthusiastic home crowd.
The match also honored the late Fidel Odinga, Kisumu's former chairman, as part of the Obange Cup.
Pirates started brightly, with former Kabras Sugar star Kelly Akengo slotting two early penalties for a 6-0 lead.
However, Kisumu found their rhythm, with Victor Otieno finishing a well-worked move for their first try, though the conversion was missed.
Pirates briefly regained the lead through Akengo's drop goal, but Kisumu's relentless maul play allowed Felix Omondi to score just before halftime. David Williams added the conversion to give Kisumu a 12-9 edge at the break.
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In the second half, Kisumu pulled away, buoyed by impactful substitutions. Walter Mikanga kicked two penalties to stretch the lead before Darrell Omondi, on loan from Kabras RFC, marked his debut with a try.
Gibson Perez added the bonus-point try after patient build-up play, and Dennis Makanji capitalized on a charge-down to extend the lead further. Former Koyonzo High School standout Branton Lusisa capped off the victory with a debut try, sealing the emphatic 38-9 win.
Saturday's Kenya Cup Results
KCB 77-22 Mwamba
Kabras Sugar 45-5 Strathmore Leos
Kenya Harlequin 48-12 Impala RFC
Nondies 23-3 Blak Blad
Menengai Oilers 32-12 Nakuru RFC
Kisumu RFC 38-9 South Coast Pirates