Last week’s edition got me quite a lashing from the Kulabu faithful, who thought that the Undertaker and I had been a little to hard on them with our predictions. Needless to say they went on to win their encounter against Kabras and well, it has been a long week with nowhere to hide.
So this week I decided to take on one from the Kulabu battalion, and who better than their current Head Coach, John Mbai?
The name might be familiar in these streets, remember this? Paul Treu, I am Sorry. Well that is Maurice, John is the older version of Maurice. More accomplished, but just as opinionated if not more haha.
Former Kenya sevens player and later Assistant Head Coach, also the former head coach of TUK before moving to his current post.
Probably, part of the perks that come with being a coach, include not being able to just give a simple score prediction. John has gone all out and dissected each game below :
Catholic vs Impala.
Should be a relatively easy game for impala who are enjoying winning ways in contrast to catholic who are yet register a win this year.
Prediction : Impala win by +70pts
Blakblad vs Nondies.
I think not playing last week will not favour Nondies who were on resurgence of sorts in terms of competitiveness as well as winning a tough game away in Kabras. Blak Blad on the other hand, seem to start strong but fade towards the end. I predict that the game will be competitive in the early exchanges but Nondies will carry the day.
Prediction : Nondies to win by +30pts
KCB vs Strathmore
Kcb’s big win might have just showed their hand early against the other top of the table teams i.e Strath and Nakuru. This is however not their fault as they are just that good. It will however make Strath and Nakuru that more vigilant when playing them.
Key in this fixture will be Strath’s ability to compete for the full 80 mins at the set pieces as well as general play. If they do so then they will carry the day, but I’m inclined to go with current form. KCB still having the unbeaten tag, so I’ll pick them to win. Although scoreline may not reflect actual competitiveness of the match.
Prediction : KCB win by 15 pts
Mombasa vs Mwamba
Let me be modest and say that Mwamba will win.
Kabras vs Homeboyz
This is my match of the weekend, it has all the makings of a great match up and will greatly determine the direction of the the last play off spot.
I expect a very competitive match between teams that know each other very well. Psychologically the pressure will be more on Kabras who currently occupy 4th but have lost their last 2 matches. Homeboyz on the other hand have an outside chance of qualification which is probable but unlikely.
This will enable them approach this fixture without much pressure, but will however want to get a good result. Going by last week’s games plus the current psychological status of both teams, I give Homeboyz this one although i expect a very competitive match.
Prediction : Homeboyz to win by 10pts
Nakuru vs Harlequins
Don’t expect another 70 point drubbing here. I think Quins have too much pride for that. I however don’t see them upsetting the form book. I believe Nakuru will carry the day on this one.
Prediction – Nakuru to win by 25pts
Mean Machine vs Western Bulls
Machine currently under new tactician, in the dynamic duo of Willis ‘Foxx’ Ojal and Charles Cardovillis showed some fight last week against Impala but faded as the proceedings continued. I suspect the story will be the same this week albeit with some improvements.
Prediction : Western bulls to win by 25pts
I’ll keep mine as usual, short and sharp, simple and stupid (hehe always wanted to use that one here)
Catholic vs Impala – Impala +50
Blakblad vs Nondies – Nondies +18
KCB vs Strathmore – KCB +7
Mombasa vs Mwamba – Mwamba +70
Kabras vs Homeboyz – Kabras +3
Nakuru vs Harlequins – Nakuru +50
Machine vs Western Bulls – Western Bulls +30