KCB ready for Kenya Cup season after Impala Floodlit triumph

KCB's Festus Shiasi in action during their Floodlit rugby finals match against Nondies RFC at Impala grounds. [Washington Onyango,Standard]

KCB had to dig deep to triumph 25-23 over a resilient Nondies side and win a record 10th Impala Floodlit title in a nerve-wracking final staged at the Impala Grounds on Saturday evening.

The victory was the banker's fifth consecutive title in the tournament that marked 40 years since inception. KCB became the most successful club in the competition's history.

KCB’s Peter Kilonzo started off on a high showcasing his tactical masterclass by beating the Nondies defense giving the bankers an early lead in the first minute in what would be the banker’s only try of the match. Darwin Mukidza stepped up for his kicking duties successfully converting the try to give the bankers a 7-0 lead.

Nondies would respond later with two perfectly taken penalties to give them crucial 6 points in the first half, closing the gap with the bankers. At the break, KCB was leading 7-6.

In the second half, KCB won 6 penalties which were successfully converted by the full back and former Kenya International Darwin Mukidza to extend the bankers lead to 25. Nondies grabbed a try and a penalty in the extra time, but they were not enough to win them what would have been their fourth title.

KCB's Mike Wanjala butchers through Nondies RFC forwards during their Floodlight rugby finals match at Impala grounds.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

KCB’s Andrew Amonde said, “This is one of the toughest finals we have been to as a team and I am proud of the boys for their exemplary performance. They showed up when we needed them the most and we are happy the trophy stays with us again. I salute our opponents for the day, and now focus shifts to the Kenya Cup which will kick off on the 25th of November.”

In the individual awards category, KCB’s Festus Shiasi scooped the Most Valuable Player of the tournament award as Peter Kilonzo emerged the top try scorer in the tournament. Darwin Mukidza’s superb kicking skills earned him the top point scorer award.

KCB’s youngster and Chipu Captain Michael Wamalwa who was gracing his first Floodlit tournament was forced to withdraw early in the thriller after suffering an early injury after a collision with the opponents.

“Michael is a promising player. He had a good tournament, grabbing two crucial tries in the semis and they were key in securing the final slot. It’s just disappointing that he didn’t get to play much but I just want to assure him that there are more minutes in the tank for him in the Kenya Cup. For now, it’s about recovery and refocusing,” Amonde added.