Homeboyz keen to lick Kabras Sugar
Rugby
By
Rodgers Eshitemi
| Mar 17, 2018
Homeboyz RFC will be looking to revenge last year’s Kenya Cup semi-final defeat against former champions Kabras Sugar when the two sides clash for a place in the final at Jamhuri Park, today at 4pm.
The millers rallied from 10-17 deficit at the break to see-off Homeboyz 22-17 in the last four and book their third successive final last season, where they lost 36-8 to Kenya Commercial Bank.
Buoyed by their impressive form that saw them finish second in the regular season and with a sour taste still in their mouth, the deejays seems to be going for nothing short of victory.
The other equally exciting semifinal will see champions Kenya Commercial Bank renew their rivalry with visiting Impala at the RFUEA Grounds.
Although Kabras might not be as good now as they were in the last three seasons, the deejays should be worry of their technical and tactical prowess.
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And it is because of this that Homeboyz coach Paul Murunga has urged his charges to remain focused as they aim to lift their maiden Kenya Cup title.
“Of course this is a tough game. Remember, they eliminated us at the same stage last year, but this is a big moment in our season. This is a different year with a highly gelled and well-prepared squad. We learnt a lot from last year’s defeat and we cannot afford to lose again,” Murunga told The Standard Sports.
“They (Kabras) are not in good form, but we must be at our best because in a knock-out, anything is possible. We are mentally strong and everybody here would be happy to reach the final. Having retained most of our experienced players, I think this is the year to break Kenya Cup duck.”
But having ousted Homeboyz in the semis last year, Kabras coach Charles Cardovillis is aware of their opponents’ mission and the damage they can cause.
“We expect it to be battle royale. It is a semifinal and both sides deserve to be there, so it won’t be easy. They (Kabras) are physical and athletic side, but we have a strategy to handle them. We will try to stop them from playing rugby and dominate in the set piece,” Cardovillis said.
“They started strong in the league and won it. Last year, we were fortunate enough to come from behind and knock them out. What we need to do, is to contain their counter-attacking type of rugby.”
Meanwhile, Kenya Sevens have confirmed participation in next weekend’s Victoria Falls Sevens, in Zimbabwe.
Other teams taking part include defending champions Zimbabwe, African champions Uganda,Zambia, Botswana, Lesotho among others.