KCB determined to stop Kabras Sugar Kenya Cup dominance

Festus Shiasi of KCB RFC (centre) is tackled by Kabras RFC players during their Kenya Cup match at KCB Grounds, Ruaraka. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

KCB Rugby Club will be aiming to end  Kabras Sugar RFC’s dominance when the two sides meet in the Kenya Cup final this Saturday at ASK Showground, Kakamega.

 The bankers head into the clash with a clear target — to stop Kabras from winning a fifth straight Kenya Cup title. Kabras have ruled the competition in recent seasons, lifting the last four trophies and building a strong reputation as the team to beat in Kenyan rugby.

 For KCB, the final presents a chance to rewrite the script. The bankers are chasing their ninth Kenya Cup crown and their first since 2021. They also carry the pain of their last meeting in a final, where they lost 29-5 to the same opponents in 2024.

 This time, KCB believe they are better prepared.

 Their progress was evident during the regular season, where they pushed Kabras all the way in a tightly contested 10-10 draw before heavy rain disrupted the match. That performance gave the bankers belief that they can match the champions — and possibly go one step further.

 Head coach Andrew Amonde says his team has grown stronger over the season and understands what is required at this level.

 “We have grown a lot as a team this season. The boys understand what is at stake, and we are ready to put in a complete performance. Kabras are a strong side, but we’ve shown we can match them, and now it’s about executing our game plan on the day,” said Amonde.

 KCB will also benefit from the return of key players who feature in the national sevens setup. Floyd Wabwire, George Ooro, Festus Shiasi, Samuel Asati, and Vincent Onyala are all back in the squad, giving the team added pace, depth, and experience.

 Captain Bob Muhati believes the team is ready for the challenge and fully focused on the task ahead.

 “This is a moment we have worked hard for all season. The boys are locked in, the energy in camp is right, and we know what Kabras brings.

 “But we also know what we are capable of. It is about discipline, execution, and showing up for each other for the full 80 minutes. We want that title, and we are ready to fight for it,” he said.

 KCB are expected to field a strong starting XV, including Fidel Maina, Nick Okullo, Emmanuel Silungi, Wilhite Mususi, John Aswani, Sheldon Kahi, George Ooro, Samuel Asati, Brian Wahinya, Festus Shiasi, Bob Muhati, Richel Wangila, Mike Wekesa, and Isaac Njoroge.

 The team has already taken early steps to prepare for the final, travelling to Kakamega on Tuesday to set up camp and fine-tune their approach.

 In the final, Kabras will be looking to extend their dominance and make history with a fifth straight title, while KCB are determined to stop them and reclaim their place at the top of Kenyan rugby.