KCB and Top Fry Nakuru have always served up intense, intrigue filled games of rugby whenever they square off and fans do have the opportunity to witness another clash between the two doyens of the game in the first cup semifinal at the Impala Floodlit tournament. This match takes place at the Impala Club at 5.15pm on Saturday 8 October 2016.
So, where is the intensity and intrigue? Well, it stems from the fact that the Wanyore have not lost a Kenya Cup clash against KCB since 2011; that scores between the two sides have been close; the matches physical and tactical contests.
Wait a minute! Isn’t the conversation about Floodies? Yes it is. The paragraph above was just additional information for general consumption and imagery purposes.
Ok…on to matters Floodies…It will be recalled that KCB edged out Nakuru 25-21 at the same stage of the tournament in 2014 en route to claim the title.
The bankers had a stern test in last weekend’s quarterfinal, recovering from a tentative first half to eventually overcome a spirited Menengai Cream Homeboyz 28-19 under the Impala Club lights.
The Wanyore, on the other hand, were hardly threatened by Blak Blad, easing to a 29-10 quarterfinal win to set up the date with KCB, a side that, barring that Floodies semifinal loss in 2014,they have easily stashed away in their back pocket over the past few seasons.
Having, in the opening paragraphs, already given a glimpse of what to expect, it probably makes a lot more sense to single out key protagonists ahead of Saturday’s duel.
The mention of Darwin Mukidza is synonymous with tries, points and conversions. The smiling assassin will be key to KCB’s plans as will be Kenya Sevens stalwart Andrew Amonde and Peter Karia who landed a brace last weekend against Homeboyz.
Dallo Chituyi, Mike Okombe, Sammy Warui, Gramwell Bunyasi and Martin Muita will be the go to guys for Nakuru. One cannot fail to ignore the potential influence that the experienced Edwins Makori will have on the game for the Wanyores who will be out to reach a first ever Floodies final.
This should be an encounter to keep fans on the edge of their feet…let’s just hope it turns out so…
See you at the Impala Club on Saturday.