The climax of the race for Kenya Cup qualification is set for Saturday, March 23, 2024, with the KRU Championship semifinals scheduled in Kakamega and Diani.
With four teams vying for the two coveted slots, the battle remains intense among South Coast Pirates, Daystar Falcons, Masinde Muliro, and Impala to secure their places in the top tier.
In what promises to be a historic showdown, South Coast Pirates and Daystar Falcons, both newcomers to the Kenya Cup scene, will clash in Diani, each eager to seize their maiden opportunity for top-flight rugby.
Meanwhile, in Kakamega, former Kenya Cup champions Impala will face Masinde Muliro, relegated from the top tier last season, in a high-stakes encounter.
South Coast Pirates will rely on home advantage as they aim to become the first team from Kenya’s South Coast to qualify for the Kenya Cup. Finishing second in the regular season, they earned the right to host Daystar Falcons, who secured their spot after defeating JKUAT Cougars in the playoffs. Both teams met earlier in the season, with Daystar claiming a victory. Players like Kelly Akeng’o for Pirates and Eddy Wambugu for Daystar will be pivotal, orchestrating play and handling kicking duties.
In Kakamega, Masinde Muliro, the regular season leaders, face Impala, aiming to replicate their previous victory over the former champions. However, Impala, with their rich history in Kenyan rugby, are determined to reclaim their Kenya Cup status after relegation in the previous season.
KRU Championship Semifinals | Saturday 23 March 2024
Masinde Muliro v Impala | 1pm | Kakamega Showground, Kakamega
South Coast Pirates v Daystar Falcons | 3pm | Seacrest Ground, Diani