Stage set for Kenya Cup play-offs showdown

Nakuru's Charles Odongo (left) against Western Bulls in the Enterprising Cup. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

Following the conclusion of the regular Kenya Cup season over the weekend, four sides will now shift focus to the top six play-offs scheduled for April 27.

The quartet of Kenya Harlequin, Nakuru RFC, Mwamba and Impala Saracens have all secured play-off slots.

Impala, who lost 32-22 to Kabras Sugar in their last match, had to rely on Quins’ 15-12 win over Nondescripts to sail through.

One of the play-offs will see third place finishers Quins face Ngong Road rivals Impala who finished sixth.

Mwamba, who lost 32-22 to newbies Menengai Oilers over the weekend, claimed a fifth-place finish, setting up a meeting with two-time champions Nakuru RFC, who earned a fourth-place finish after seeing off relegated Mean Machine.

After blowing a three-point lead in the second half in their loss to Kabras, Impala coach Frank Ndong’ admitted that their poor pre-season has come back to haunt them.

“Indiscipline checked in and Kabras got the territory; they put us under pressure and got the points. This has been a very difficult campaign and the lessons we picked will be helpful in the play-offs,” Ndong’ said.

The win saw Kabras seal top spot in the standings thus receiving a bye to the semi-finals where they will host either Nakuru or Mwamba on May 4.

Under South African coach Henly Du Plessis, the Kakamega outfit has had an impressive campaign, claiming 15 wins with their only loss coming against champions KCB.

“There was a lot of pressure to be honest. We had set a target of finishing in the top two and it all came down to our fighting spirit and resilience. We told ourselves that we didn’t need favours from anybody and we just had to win our matches,” Du Plessis said.

“We started a bit slowly because the team was getting used to new systems but we later managed to pick up. I still think that this team (Kabras) has a lot to offer for Kenyan rugby,” added Du Plessis.

By virtue of topping the standings, Du Plessis’ men could have the privilege of hosting the final on May 11 should they qualify for the decider. 

As a result of finishing second, KCB have also been handed a bye to the last four where they will host one of the Ngong Road sides.

The bankers had to toil to beat a resolute Homeboyz 10-3 in their last match of the regular season.

Meanwhile, Strathmore Leos’ 11-year stay in the top flight came to an end after they lost 24-0 to Kenyatta University's Blak Blad.