After a three week break, Kenya cup action is back, with match day 7 lined up to kick off 2015. The league is almost at the half way point, we still don’t have a vivid picture of the direction the various teams are taking, January however, will be the month that separates the boys from the men.
League leaders Strathmore Leos start the year with a tricky fixture against Mwamba in the highlight of Match day 7. Other matches will see KCB host Nondies, Nakuru taking on Western Bulls with Impala travelling to Kakamega to face Kabras.
Strathmore Leos v Mwamba – 4.00pm – Impala Club
As mentioned earlier, the top of the bill match will be a clash between the current league leaders and fourth place. Strathmore taking on Mwamba at the Impala club.
Both sides have had a strong run in the opening phase of the league, the Leos sitting on a perfect 30 points from six matches. Kulabu on 24 points, after losing one out of the six matches played this far.
The two tacticians will have full houses respectively to pick their match day squads from, with Dan Othieno set to meet his former side Mwamba for the first time since he made the switch to the cage. It is bound to be a cracker looking at the possible line ups.
The Leos have had an advantage in this fixture over the last two seasons, winning the three most recent meetings between these two. A 25-0 result in the 2012/13 league phase, following this up with an 18-15 win at the semi finals of the same season. They were 29-0 winners in the reverse fixture last season.
Kulabu will feel that it is about time they got one over the Leos and with the likes of Collins Injera, Dennis Ombachi, Dan Sikuta, Edwin Machanje and Lavin Asego all set to feature for the black shirts, you feel they have the fire power to get that win.
On their part the Leos will be out to keep their unbeaten record going while cementing their dominance over Mwamba. Ken Andola, Billy Odhiambo, Mike Wanjala, the Tonys Onyango and Owuor, Brian Nyikuli, Charles Omondi and Cyprian Kuto will be out to make sure that happens.
The individual battles on the ground are ones to watch out for with the pick of the lot being the one between Ken Andola and Lavin Asego at fly half. It will be interesting to see Collins Injera and Edwin Machanje up against Brian Nyikuli and Tony Owuor. Dennis Ombachi will probably face off against Billy Odhiambo, in a clash many will be holding their breaths for.
There is no clear favourite in this one, on current form however, the Leos hold a slight advantage. Whoever slips first here, will most probably go on to lose this fixture, with little or no chance of getting back. I don’t expect a big margin of victory here as we have seen in previous encounters.
KCB v Nondies – 4.00pm – KCB Ruaraka
The Lion’s den will open 2015 proceedings with the battle of the Lions pitting hosts KCB against Nondies. The green lions are currently in third spot on 28 points from 6 wins in 6 matches, with the red lion in 8th place on 12 points, after two wins from 6.
The bankers have dominated this fixture over the last two years, claiming a 39-26 win in the 2012/13 season following it up with a 35-22 result last season.
Whenever these two meet, it is usually the classic battle of the forwards, don’t expect this fixture to be any different. Curtis Lilako is set to meet either of the Kangethe twins in the front row, with Oliver Mang’eni taking on Ronnie Mwenesi at lock. Ben Nyambu is set to square it out against Andrew Amonde in the back row battle.
KCB look like the favourites on paper with the likes of Jacob Ojee, Fabian Olando, Ken Moseti and Darwin Mukidza at the backs. They will however need to be wary of their opposite numbers with Charles Kanyi and Teddy Salano leading the charge for Nondies.
Defending Champions Nakuru, welcome Western Bulls to the ‘Suguta Valley’, looking to keep their unbeaten record this season and at home intact. Last time these two met, the Wanyore were 36-8 winners.
Cross fence neighbours Quinsd and Homeboyz will be facing off at the den, just before the battle of the Lions. This fixture has served us with some great surprises ever since the Djs earned promotion to the top flight. The last two meetings have produced different results with Homeboyz claiming a famous 29-27 win in 2013, Quins turning the tables last season with a 22-16 result. This one could go either way.
It will be the first meeting between Kabras and Impala at the Kakamega Showground, with Kabras currently high flying in 5th spot and Impala struggling in 10th this is bound to an explosive fixture. Kabras have won 4 and lost 2 matches this far, with Impala holding the direct opposite record, 2 wins, 4 losses.
Mean Machine will be travelling to Mombasa looking for their first points of the season, with the Monks playing Blak Blad.
Collated Fixtures :
Catholic v Blak Blad – 2.00pm – Impala Club
Strathmore Leos v Mwamba – 4.00pm – Impala Club
Kenya Harlequin v Homeboyz – 2.00pm – KCB Ruaraka
KCB v Nondies – 4.00pm – KCB Ruaraka
Mombasa v Mean Machine – 4.00pm – MSC
Kabras v Impala – 4.00pm – Kakamega Showground
Nakuru v Western Bulls – 4.00pm – N.A.C
KWISHA…Nimeruka Nje!!!
