KCB, Kabras face off again in Kenya Cup grand finale

A grand finale awaits rugby faithful as KCB RFC and Kabras Sugar RFC bring curtains down on what has been another Kenya Cup season to savour.

The two teams have cut themselves out above the rest as the local sport’s modern day unbeatables and lock horns for the second successive post-season final on Saturday.

The Kenya Cup format was rejigged this term by omitting second legs to allow national team players a chance to train and blend together ahead of the 2019 Japan World Cup qualifiers.

Based on form and head to head record, the odds seem to favour champions KCB but head coach Curtis Olago knows full well Kabras have packed vengeance into their nerves and have enough quality to stage an upset.

On their way to the final, the Bankers swatted aside Resolution Impala Saracens 15-0, ending a three year wait to get over their opponents while Kabras defeated Menengai Cream Homeboyz 30-12 in the semis.

The last time the two giants met was in Round 10 of the Kenya Cup regular season where KCB scored seven tries and two conversions against the Sugar Millers’ two tries as the Bankers ran out 41-12 winners.

Saturday’s appearance will mark the fourth consecutive Kenya Cup final for Charles Cardovilles’ men who have included former Kenya Simbas head coach Jerome Paarwater to their technical bench.

The South African will bring more experience and a different touch of style to their game as his tenure with the national team was defined by a myriad of changes aimed at improving the experience of those involved in the game.

Among the deadliest arsenal the two teams possess is a sharp back line each led by Darwin Mukidza of KCB and Ugandan captain Philip Wokarach from Kabras, the duo will be the most lethal players on the field that day.

Wokorach vs Mukidza

The muddy grounds at the Semi-final stage against Homeboyz wouldn’t let Wokarach employ his fancy footwork as he garnered 19 points out of 29 sufficed to earn him the top spot and will be something the Uganda International will be proud of going to this final.

On the other hand Mukidza has been exceptional with his boot this season slotting home crucial points that were in favour of the Curtis Olago coached side and even going on to score individual effort tries.

But wingers Jacob Ojee and scrumhalf Micheal Wanjala from the KCB side have also caught many local pundits eye and many may reckon the final could be a finely-balanced game in this excruciating finale.

Despite the equality from both sides, mutually they posse’s strong and aggressive forwards with each side boasting of burly flankers and locks who are relentless in the tackle and breakdown situations.

KCB will be targeting a sixth Kenya Cup title while their challengers Kabras are in search of their second since their promotion back in 2012.

The clash will to be staged at the KCB Sports Club at 4:00pm with South African Archie Sehlako handling the refereeing duties assisted by Victor Oduor and Beryl Akinyi.

In last year’s repeat final, KCB won 36-8 to secure their fifth Kenya Cup crown.

KENYA CUP FINAL:

Saturday 24 March 2018

KCB VS KABRAS SUGAR (KCB Sports Club)

Kick off time 4:00pm (EAT)