Kabras Sugar seek to solidify top spot against Nondies

Kabras Sugar's Teddy Akala (center) brushes off two Nondies players during Kenya Cup match in Kakamega on Feb 22, 2022. [Washington Onyango, Standard]

Kenya Cup defending champions Kabras Sugar RFC will look to extend their dominance when they host Nondescripts at Kakamega Showground on Saturday at 4p.m. as they seek to cement their place at the summit of the standings.

The unbeaten sugar millers, who have not suffered a league defeat in three years, top the 2024-2025 Kenya Cup table with 40 points after winning all eight of their matches this season.

With home advantage in the Kenya Cup final at stake, they are determined to maintain their impressive form, especially as their closest challengers, Menengai Oilers and KCB, also tied on 40 points, battle it out in a top-of-the-table clash in Nairobi.

Kabras have received a major boost ahead of the encounter with the return of fly-half Valerian Tendwa, who makes his first start since the 2023 Enterprise Cup final.

Tendwa, who has been sidelined with a knee injury, will take charge of playmaking duties, replacing the in-form Ntabeni Dukisa, who shifts to full-back. This adjustment sees Eric Cantona drop out of the matchday squad.

Coach Carlos Katywa has rung several other changes in the team. Top try-scorer Griffin Chao has been dropped to the bench, making way for Brian Mutua on the right wing. Meanwhile, winger Lamec Ambetsa earns his first start since the 2024 Kenya Cup final, replacing Alfred Orege, who moves to the bench.

The second-row department sees fresh faces, with Bryceson Adaka and Walter Okoth handed their first starts since the 2024 final. The formidable forward pack remains largely unchanged, with Ephrahim Oduor, Asuman Mugerwa, and Eugine Sifuna forming the front row.

Hillary Odhiambo and Shem Joseph will lock the scrum, while captain George Nyambua leads the back row alongside Patrick Sabatia, filling in for the suspended Collins Indeche. Jeanson Misoga starts at number eight.

On the bench, Edward Mwaura returns to the squad, and Samuel Omollo makes his way back into the 23-man lineup, offering more depth and options for Kabras.

Nondies, one of Kenya's most historic rugby clubs, will be keen to cause an upset against the champions, but Kabras' formidable record at home makes them the favorites to claim victory. With the stakes high and a potential Kenya Cup final hosting privilege on the line, expect a fiercely contested clash in Kakamega.