If it’s Match day three, then we are at the Nakuru Athletic Club. Heading into this last day of pool action, the Nguvu Papa and Victoria Protectors already have their fates sealed.
While the Papa secured a semi final spot in Kakamega, Victoria’s run in this year’s BRSS came to a halt. On Match day three, three out of these four Ndovu, Chui, Kifaru and Rwenzori will join Papa for the semi final with the other joining Victoria.
UAP Kifaru vs Hima Rwenzori – 2:00 PM
The first match of the day will see the Kifaru take on the Rwenzori for the last semi final slot in Pool B. This will be a winner take all affair with both sides having lost to the Papa, Rwenzori falling 25-6 on match day 1 in Kampala, with the Kifaru unfortunate to come out at the wrong end of a 8-6 score in Kakamega.
Many had written off the Kifaru prior to their opening fixture against the Papa, but after stretching their opponents in Kakamega, the side has earned many plaudits. If they can replicate that performance then they will definitely be in the last four.
The Rwenzori have had three weeks to think and work on any mistakes they had against the Papa on Match Day 1. The side holds Uganda’s only chance of a semi final slot and will probably fight tooth and nail to defend the country’s quickly diminishing image and hopes.
The Kifaru will probably employ the same tactics that saw them stretch the Papa for a whole 79 minutes. They will make life at the break downs hard for the Rwenzori, the likes of captain Rocky Aguko and Dan Othieno will have to once again work their shorts off. With the combination of Haroun Lubisia and George Mutuku vital in getting the side to play in the right areas.
Rwenzori will most likely stick to the Ugandan type of play, and with the upper hand in the forwards you cant blame them. They will look to keep the pill at the forwards, trying to make their size advantage count.
Ndovu vs Bollore Chui – 4 pm
The tea time kick off will see defending champions Ndovu take on Chui in Pool A, both sides on one win, the Ndovu however topping the Pool having earned a bonus point in Kakamega.
The Chui were 10-3 winners over the Victoria on match day 1 in Kampala, with the Ndovu trampling over the Victoria 40-6 in Kampala. These two have already made it to the semi finals thus making this fixture look like a dead rubber on the surface.
Looking at it closely the winner of this match will avoid the Pool B leaders Papa in the Semi final, to meet either the Kifaru or Rwenzori in Machakos. On paper that would be the route of ‘least resistance’ a real attractive prospect to anyone.
After a good number of the Ndovu players successfully defended the Kenya Cup title at the weekend, they will be looking to bring this momentum to the super series. Though with such a monumental feat, motivation might play a part in the side.
The Chui have had a three week hiatus and will be the fresher side and hoping to make this work in their favour. The side has an impressive blend of youth and experience, in the forwards the likes of Dennis Karani, Duncan Ekasi, Cedric Odera, Paul Oimbo and John Ouko provide a great back bone to the side. Charles Kanyi, Teddy Salano, Ian Minjire and George Okowa will be vital in the backs.
There is little to say about this Ndovu side that hasn’t been already said after match day 2. The side rarely put a foot wrong against the Victoria, if they do line up as they did in Kakamega it will be hard to see them lose here.
Predictions :
Kifaru over Rwenzori by 7 or less.
Ndovu over Chui by 10 or more.
KWISHA…Nimeruka Nje!!!
