MMUST, Strathmore inch closer to semifinal playoffs slots

MMUST RFC's Isaiah Mulongo (right) in action against Kisii RFC. [Washington Onyango, Standard]

Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST RFC) and Strathmore Leos are one victory away from booking a home semifinal playoff spot after extending their dominance in the KRU Championship over the weekend.

Strathmore extended their unbeaten run to 13 games as they shuttered Mean Machines’ semifinal dream after narrowly defeating them 16-8 at Madaraka Grounds. The win saw the former Kenya Cup side extend their lead atop the championship standings with 61 points, seven more than their closest rivals MMUST, who also bagged their 12th win of the campaign.

Speaking to Standard Sports, Leos captain Gabriel Adero said they are confident of finishing first and book a home semifinal playoff spot.

“It has been a very long but fruitful journey and we are happy to be part of it. We can now see the light at the end of the tunnel. The team has been fantastic and we now believe we are sure of finishing top,” he said.

MMUST sealed their second spot after also narrowly edging out United States International University-Africa (USIU) RFC 19-18 at their own backyard.

With three matches to play, MMUST will require one bonus point to be assured of qualification but captain Samwel Mbeche has his eyes fixed on winning all the remaining three matches.

“It has been an improved performance for us since our debut last season and we are looking forward to making it to the Kenya Cup,” he said.

MMUST are second with 54 points, eight points more than they registered at the end of last season. In other matches, South Coast Pirates defeated Catholic Monks 15-14 to move into sixth in the standings as Northern Suburbs slipped out of the playoff position after losing 8-0 to Mombasa.

Egerton Wasps also moved into the playoff position with a 22-0 win over bottom-placed Kisii RFC as University of Eldoret defeated Eldoret RFC 9-8 in the Eldoret Derby.