Rugby: Bankers ready to activate title defence

Top Fry Prinsloo Sevens Collins Wanjala (Left) of KCB battles for the ball with Marvin Sumba of Nondes during the Top Fry Prinsloo sevens at Nakuru Athl;ectisc Club (NAC) on July 21,2018.Photo:Kipsang Joseph/Standard

KCB upbeat ahead of Floodlit showdown

Impala Floodlit holders are fresh from a 10-day High Performance training camp in South Africa.

Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) will be chasing their second successive Impala Floodlit crown when this year's edition gets underway on Saturday.

The six-time Kenya Cup champions, who had a 10-day High Performance training camp in Cape Town, South Africa, have been drawn against Mwamba in the quarter finals.

The winner of the tie will book a date with either Nakuru RFC or Homeboyz in the semi finals slated for October 20.

Speaking to Standard Sport yesterday, KCB assistant coach Dennis Mwanja said his charges will not be under pressure despite carrying the favourites tag.

"We had good preparations in South Africa and the mood in the team is positive. We are the defending champions but we don't want to be under any pressure," Mwanja said.

Mwanja, who is also the United States International University (USIU) coach, said Mwamba is a strong side, adding that set-pieces and possession will be crucial in their campaign.

"We intend to try out new combinations and take a game at a time. I anticipate a bruising battle against Mwamba because they are worthy opponents and I hope we will take the game to them," Mwanja said.

The last meeting between KCB and Mwamba was at the Railways Club on January 20, a Kenya Cup contest which the bankers won 27-15.

The former Kenya Sevens international added that they have set sights on the 2018/19 Kenya Cup campaign and not just the Floodlit tournament that is held over three weekends.

"I always look at the bigger picture and not just three weekends of the Floodlit tournament. Our main target remains the Kenya Cup because that is the biggest title on offer," Mwanja said.

Mwanja confirmed that the duo of lock Nick Ongeri and prop Curtis Lilako is ruled out of Saturday's match with injuries while Collins Wanjala is doubtful having picked a harmstring strain.

The Ruaraka-based club will also have to do without eight of their key players who are part of the national 15s team, Simbas, which is in camp.

In other quarter final, hosts Impala Saracens will play Kenya Harlequins.