The roller coaster ride that has been 2014/15 Kenya Cup will finally come to a stop at the weekend. This season’s ride has been one of a kind with twists and turns that we never saw coming, so will we be in for another over head spin on the final weekend?
This season has drawn out two very contrasting finalists, in Kabras Sugar RFC and KCB RFC. While one is barely 5 years old and making their debut in the top flight, quite in style it must be said. The other celebrated 25 years of existence last year and has won this cup three times before, and losing in two finals recently.
Kabras Sugar have had a stellar season, think I have said this enough times already. Them reaching here by itself is no mean achievement, just look at the number of teams that are still waiting to make an appearance in the Kenya Cup final.
When you look at the teams that are still fighting for their first show at a Kenya Cup final, KCB will definitely not feature in that list. The Lions are three time Kenya cup champions, those triumphs coming between 2005 and 2007. They have not finished outside the top four since the turn of the century (2000).
In the last couple of years, the Lions have attracted the unwanted tag of ‘Chokers’ in the Kenya cup, dropping the ball when it mattered most. In 2010 for instance, they let a 21-3 half time lead slip, as they were trounced 23-21 by the Kenya Harlequins. They have now gone eight years without picking up the most prestigious trophy in the land.
Last year, they narrowly lost 20-13 to Nakuru at the same venue after a nail biting final. They find themselves back here with another opportunity to right all those wrongs.
The sugar millers will have no such problems and pressures, but that will not mean that they will not give it everything they have to make history. And become the first side in the modern era to win lift the Kenya cup in their first time of asking.
They might sound like an inexperienced side, but within their ranks are faces that know what it is like to play a game of this magnitude. Nick Barasa and Edwin Achayo for starters have vast experience from Quins. Captain Polycap Luaki also brings in a load of experience having played for both Homeboyz and KCB. Kenya international Duncan Mwangi alongside Dennis Mukabi formerly of KCB will also add to that experience.
Kabras’ anchor will however be a combination that KCB know oh too well, the towering duo of Anthony Ogot and Leslie Mango. Ogot will come up against the side he lost last year’s Kenya Cup final with, the two were part of the last KCB side that lifted the Kenya cup.
There will be re unions here across the pitch with Geoffrey Messo, Steve Oluoch, Ken Isindu and Perminus Macharia also former KCB players.
The Lions welcome back Max Adaka after the number 8 served his one match ban, he should slot right in the back row alongside Andrew Amonde and Philip Wamae. Kabras have a few injury concerns with Polycap Odhiambo and Nick Barasa doubtful for the final, Poly was concussed in the semi finals with Nick picking up a wrist strain.
However these two decide to line up, this one has ‘epic battle’ written all over it. Last time they faced off in the opening weekend of the season, the Lions were made to dig dip for that 13-3 result.
With Anthony Ogot set to hand himself a starting role, the battle at the line out will be quite interesting, as he comes up against players he has mentored over the years. It will be interesting to see where Leslie will be deployed with the versatile veteran able to slot in anywhere from 6 through to 15, with maybe the exception of 9.
In that monumental win over Nakuru in the semi finals, Oscar Okaron probably had the game of his life, all eyes will be on the diminutive play maker here hoping he can replicate his heroics and lead his side to the Kenya Cup title.
The Lions will be battling to get that ‘choker’ tag off their backs and end that eight year wait, most reckon that if they fail to do it at the weekend they will never find a better shot at the Kenya cup any time soon. 13 of the match day 23 from last year’s final will line up this weekend for KCB.
They were made to dig real dip by a determined Strathmore side before their go to man this season, Curtis Lilako once again produced the goods at the last minute to claim a 24-21 result. Lilako will be on call again for the Lions as they look to exorcise the ghosts from last year and beyond.
It could be argued that these two will be spent forces in this final, having given their all in those semi finals. The opposite could as well be true, that the two will still have reserves left in their tanks, after edging out their respective opposition in the last minute.
This one is finely poised with the experience of KCB facing the young untamed grit and flair of Kabras. The battle at the set piece is set to be a titanic one, with Dennis Mukabi and Duncan Mwagi up against Moses Amusala and Curtis Lilako at front row. Anthony Ogot, Steve Oluoch and Geoff Messo are set to come up against a forward pack that they understand well, this could be Kabras’ master stroke.
Edwin Achayo or Oscar Okaron vs Felix Wanjala is set to be another one to look out for, if fit, Nick Barasa and Polycap Odhiambo will do Kabras’ chances in this final a load of good.
If both sides manage to take in the occasion in time and settle down to play, this will be a cracker of a final. This is what we are all hoping for.
Before we crown the 2014/15 Kenya cup champion, there will be the small issue of deciding who finishes third. Two time champions Nakuru RFC will face the Strathmore Leos in a replay of the 2012/13 final, when Nakuru claimed their first ever Kenya Cup.
These two will be looking to salvage something out of this season, after those bitter losses last weekend. The Wanyore will probably need this more than the Leos, after losing their long standing home unbeaten run to Kabras.
The Leos will also want to show that they are finally home and dry after that rough patch towards the end of this campaign, as they gear up for Enterprise Cup action.
Saturday’s Order of Play :
Eric Shirley Shield Final:
KCB II v Impala II -10.00am
Nationwide Final
Thika RFC v Bungoma Sharks – 12.00pm
Kenya Cup 3rd/4th Playoff
Top Fry Nakuru v Pan Africa Strathmore Leos – 2.00pm
Kenya Cup Final
KCB v Kabras Sugar – 4.00pm
Venue:RFUEA Grounds
Entry: Ksh 300
KWISHA…Nimeruka Nje!!
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