Nakuru up against KCB in Cup final

KCB Edwin Salamba supported by Dennis Mwanja charges forward on 24th November 2012 during their Kenya Cup Rugby league match against Impala Club played at Ruaraka,KCB Sports Club.KCB won 22-5. Photo/CHRIS OMOLLO/FILE 

In Summary

• The Kenya Cup champions, Nakuru, who are eyeing their seventh title, say they are prepared to raid KCB but the bankers have vowed to put in a good fight.

By Ayumba Ayodi
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It will be a battle of forwards as Nakuru take on Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) in the 2013-2014 season Enterprise Cup final on Saturday at the RFUEA grounds.


 

The Kenya Cup champions, Nakuru, who are eyeing their seventh title, say they are prepared to raid KCB but the bankers have vowed to put in a good fight.

Wanyore are yet to lose to KCB in the last three seasons but their matches have always been captivating. They drew 25-25 before the Great Rift side won 8-3 during the 2011-2013 Kenya Cup season.

Nakuru won 20-17 in the 2012-2013 season on their way to their maiden Kenya Cup title, the first club outside Nairobi to achieve the milestone.

“We have had a long history with KCB and we understand their game well,” said Nakuru coach Dominique Habimana. ”The bankers have introduced a few things this season but we are ready to counter them.”

“Their maul has been clinical in their executions scoring most of their points to the final. But we have fixed that technicality and we are good to go with our awesome and solid tight five,” Habimana said.

We have been working on our defence and results should come out in the final, the coach added.

Nakuru’s front row has Joseph Odero, Sammy Warui and Isaiah Nyariki while skipper Edwin Makori and Philip Owuor are at the second row.

But KCB coach Curtis Olago opted to play it cool saying they respect Nakuru but won’t deviated from their pattern with their strength pegged on their forwards. 

“Both are quality sides and have worked hard to reach the final. However, the team with the right frame of mind will carry the day,” said Olago.

Dennis Mukabi, Steve Wakaya, Edwin lubaka, Brian Sagala and Francis Mwita will counter Nakuru’s tight five.

Olago said they are at full strength with no injuries but Nakuru’s utility back Javan Murai is injured.