Mwamba host leaders Kabras in Nairobi today

KCB's Mike Wanjala is tackled by Walter Okoth of Top Fry Nakuru during enterpress cup match at KCB grounds. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Kenya Harlequin are hoping to bounce back from last weekend’s loss to Homeboyz as they host KCB in a Kenya Cup fixture at the RFUEA ground today. 

Quins, under the tutelage of former Kenya 15s assistant coach Dominique Habimana, head to the match on the back of three successive defeats in all competitions and they are keen to upset the defending champions who launched their quest for a fourth successive Kenya Cup with a 48-11 thrashing of returnees Western Bulls.

“We have a lot of young guys who are coming through and they have been struggling in terms of their decision making. We just have to be patient with them as they get accustomed. You cannot fault a player for lacking experience and they only get better by playing more,” Habimana said.

In KCB, Habimana’s charges face a team they have struggled against in recent times and the coach is aware of the challenge that awaits.

“They (KCB) are a structured team who are well coached and their players have been together for a long time so it’s up to us to improve,” he said.

While the bankers are second on the 12-team standings following the bonus-point win on matchday one, Quins are ninth.

Kenya Harlequin’s neighbours Impala Saracens, who got their campaign off to flying start against Nondescripts, will host Kenyatta University’s Blak Blad, one of six teams that are winless.

The match gives Impala a chance to consolidate fourth position but they will be wary of the students whom they narrowly edged out 19-16 when the sides met last season.

Meanwhile, league leaders Kabras Sugar will draw inspiration from the 89-0 win over Kisumu RFC as they make the long trip to the Nairobi Railways Club to tackle Mwamba.

Any slip-up in Nairobi could cost the sugar millers top spot with the chasing pack of KCB, Menengai Oilers and Impala likely to win their respective matches.

Other fixtures today pit two-time Kenya Cup winners Nakuru RFC against Homeboyz while Kisumu RFC will look to put aside last weekend’s embarrassment when they host Nondescripts.