With only three weeks left, I can finally use this phrase, the league has entered it’s home stretch. A very exciting three weeks it must be said, looking at the fixtures coming our way.
For Match day 11, the highlight will definitely be at the Lion’s den, where league leaders KCB will host third placed Strathmore Leos. The two look to have all but wrapped up their progress to the semi finals, that however does very little to water down the clash.
The sides come into this one off a big scoring Match day 10 where the Leos put 116 unanswered points past the Monks with KCB beating Quins 74-15 at the RFUEA. They are separated by three points on the log heading into this one.
The Lions’ 10 match unbeaten run will be facing its sternest test to date here against a Leos side that has only lost once in the same period. With top spot still a possibility for the two, this one will be nothing short of a cracker.
The last three encounters between these two have produced a 16 all draw in the 2012/13 season and two wins for the Lions, a 22-17 result at the 2013 Floodies and a 29-0 blanking last season.
Both sides are on a rich vain on form as earlier mentioned, the Leos getting back to winning ways in style after that narrow loss to the Homeboyz. They have looked like a hot bet for the title all season long and will be looking to keep that going with a win here against a well oiled KCB side.
The Lions had managed to neatly go about their business this season well under the radar, that is until last weekend, where they hit the headlines with that historic win over Quins that earned them top spot. They will be out to confirm that the win was no fluke and underline their title ambitions with a win here.
The Leos will be without Mike Wanjala, Tony Owuor and Billy Odhiambo who are away with the national side and will also miss the services of Tony Onyango through injury. Ken Andola will also sit this one out, serving his two match ban for a red card against Quins.
Despite those absentees, the Leos list a formidable match day 23 with Charles Omondi partnering Adrian Opondo and Brian Nyikuli in the back row. Malik Ndemi and Dan Othieno at lock. These five will be vital in leading the Leos charge and blanking the KCB forwards.
Marvin Sumba steps in for Andola, partnering Eugene Nzioka, the back three of Humphrey Owuor, Cyprian Kuto and Ginton Adongo looks like a potent combination. Tito is set to make an impact from the bench alongside Alex Olaba and Churchill Ooko.
The Lions will remain largely unchanged from that win against Quins, with Amonde still away on National duty. The only change being Ken Moseti slotting in at fly half. The back row axis of Philip Wamae, Max Adaka and Elly Mukaisi is set to start for the side with Oliver Mang’eni partnering John Ahenda at lock.
The individual battles will be ones to look out for with Jacob Ojee, Darwin Mukidza and Allan Omuka against the Strathmore back three. Frank Wanyama and Samuel Motari will face off against Brian Omondi and Fabian Olando at the centre of the park.
It is set to be a physical encounter, with Strathmore looking run their heavier opponents rugged especially in the forwards. Looks like this one will boil down to fitness and concentration with very little to pick between the two.
Everything held constant, the last quarter of the match will most probably determine the winner here. The two benches will be vital.
In other fixtures, there looks to be no respite for the bruised Quins who travel to Nakuru to face the defending champions. The quartered shirts will be looking to at the very least save face at the NAC, and put up a fight against the Wanyore.
Homeboyz will be travelling to Kakamega to face Kabras in what is expected to be a cracker. It will be the first meeting in the league after the two played in the a pre season friendly at the Catholic University. The Djs will have to win this one if they are to keep their slim hopes of a play off place intact.
Kabras will be looking to get back to winning ways after losing to Mwamba last weekend and keep a hold on fourth spot. The Homeboyz have a great record in Kakamega but will be facing a real uphill task in upsetting Man City.
Mwamba will be making the trip to the coast to face bottom side Mombasa in what is expected to be a one way traffic affair. With Kabras and Homeboyz facing each other, Kulabu will be looking to take full advantage here.
Impala will make the trip to Rongai to face the Monks, the red shirts will also be looking to make a final charge for a play off spot. Machine will be taking on Western Bulls in the early kick off at the NAC, as Blak Blad face Nondies at the same time at the Lions Den.
Collated Match Day 11 Fixtures :
Catholic vs Impala, 4:00 pm – Catholic University
Blakblad vs Nondies, 2:00 pm – KCB Ruaraka
KCB vs Strathmore, 4:00 pm – KCB Ruaraka
Mombasa vs Mwamba, 4:00 pm – MSC.
Kabras vs Homeboyz, 4:00 pm – Kakamega Show Ground
Nakuru vs Quins, 4:00 pm – NAC
Machine vs Western Bulls, 2:00 pm – NAC
KWISHA…Nimeruka Nje!!!
