We have all watched it, whether in parts or religiously, forced or willingly. Some of us have even gone as far as reading the series ‘A song of ice and fire.’ (I am still trying to finish the first book, of seven!)
There is no denying that the Game of Thrones has been one of, if not the most popular (not sure about the best) TV series, ever. So what better way to build up to this season’s Kenya cup, (anticipated to be the biggest yet) than try draw comparisons between these two? I know it sounds like a long shot but imagine with me for a minute.
That the Kingdom of Westeros is Kenya and the 14 teams from different regions are the noble houses fielding armies to do battle for the ultimate price, the iron throne, the Kenya Cup.
The following is a depiction of some of the 14 clubs competing for the Kenya cup as GoT houses, their Sigils, words, stories and fiercest rivals in the land.
1. Western Bulls RFC.
House: Echulusi.
Sigil: Bull.
Words: Echulusi Khurio.
Rivals: House Opulence, House rock.
Story
House Echulusi rose a few years back, with the best hope of the west occupying the iron throne, that was until the coming of house Opulence last season. They have been forced to play second fiddle to their rich neighbours but still remain a proud house and a tough nut for anyone walking into their gates.
Under Lord Howard the house will be looking for a strong showing this season with the likes of Ser Phonto, Ser Obiero and Ser Kuya expected to lead their charge.
2. Menengai Cream Homeboyz RFC.
House: Deejays
Sigil: Deejay Mascot
Words: Mwanaume hukataa/mbele of which itabidi maguys.
Rivals: House Leo, House Lion.
Story
Another house that arose not so long ago, House Deejays have grown in leaps and bounds in a short period of time to challenge the traditional strong houses. With their young crop of brave soldiers, house deejays is again expected to mount a serious challenge for the throne.
A previous occupant of the Iron Throne Lord Pau will be looking to lead his side to a serious charge this season, led by the likes of ser Reign Chisanga, Ser Oscar and Ser Muga.
3. Resolution Impala Saracens.
House: Impala.
Sigil: The Impala.
Words: Impala time/We are re building.
Rivals: House Quin.
Story
The youngest of the three houses that form the Ngong road axis, House Impala dominated the Kenya cup in the late 90s and early 2000s before they started one of the longest ‘re building’ phases ever. This season has however already showed signs of the house finally getting back to former glory.
Ser Nato has been in imeperious form in the build up to the Kenya cup, alongside Ser Oliech, Ser Majei and Ser Danku, house Impala will be a serious contender this season.
4. Kabras Sugar RFC.
House: Opulence
Sigil: Miwa.
Words: Tang Tang/If you can’t beat them buy them out/united nations/money does buy you happiness.
Rivals: House Echulusi, House Lion.
Story
The youngest yet richest of the houses in the league, house opulence jumped into the battle for the iron throne only last year, beating all apart from one, House Lion. Their opulent ways have seen them acquire gladiators from far, wide and even beyond the wall, making them the firm favourites to sit on the iron throne at the end of this season’s war.
Lord Otogo the has acquired the services of Ser Rango and Ser Max from house Lion, add these to the likes of Ser Nick, Sir Chokora and the house’s charge for the throne looks like the strongest of them all.
5. KCB RFC
House: Lion
Sigil: Lion
Words: Lion Hearted/Simba ni moja.
Rivals: House Deejays, House Rock, as current holder of the iron throne insert all the other houses here.
Story
Current holder of the Iron throne, house lion had been falling short of that throne for quite a while since they last occupied it in the mid 2000s. The house will be facing a tough battle to keep the throne this year, but as they have shown in past seasons they will always be serious challengers for the throne.
Despite the loss of Ser Rango and Max, Lord Curtbebe will be bullish heading to the season with the likes of Ser Curtlow, Ser Darwin TRF and Ser Moseti still around. Ser Ojee, Sagara and Wamae are set to rejoin the battle at a later point in the season.
6. Mean Machine RFC
House: Eschuma
Sigil: Machine crest.
Words: Eschuma Absolute/We are now the sinking side.
Rivals: House Leo.
Story
Once upon a time, they say house Eschuma was a giant of the game, occupying the iron throne in their first season in 77 then another two times in the 80s. Since then the side has struggled to occupy the coveted throne, their state deteriorating even further in the last couple of years. Many predict that this season will end with the Eschuma sinking into the lower division.
7. Mwamba RFC
House: Kulabu
Sigil: Mount Mwamba.
Words: R family buuda/gwara hiyo kitu/Is it sevens season yet?
Rivals: House Quin, House Lion, House Impala.
Story
Aka house rock, house Kulabu is a proud establishment that has produced some of the greatest in the game, likes of Lord Rombo, Lord Tall, Lord Lavin and Lord Papa Locole. Despite their decorated knights, the house has not featured prominently in the wars for the Iron throne, their triumphs coming in the shorter battles.
This season Lord Johnie will be looking to the likes of Ser Skuta, Ser Shaban, Ser Pablo, Ser Salaton and Ser Louis to lead his side to a formidable charge to the throne.
8. Top Fry Nakuru RFC
House: Wanyore
Sigil: Flamingo.
Words: Dominance/Wanyore/We won 4 trophies in 3 years, now you will not know rest.
Rivals: House Opulence and any team not from Nakuru.
Story
The first house outside the capital to occupy the iron throne, house Wanyore boast of a following like no other. Their recent successes have gone on to fuel their passionate following who will always remind you of their 4 trophies in 3 years, 2 of those being titles to the Iron throne. Their battle hardened gladiators will be going all out for the iron throne after bitterly missing out last season.
Lord Papa will be bouyant heading to this season’s battles, with the probable return of one gladiator Ser Oscar he of big wheels, alongside Ser Chwakis, Ser Madu and Ser Okombe.
9. Total Nondies
House: Red Lion
Sigil: Red lion.
Words: Lets go rangers/we used to be real good ask your great grand father.
Rivals: House Quin, House Impala.
Story
None of these houses boast of a more illustrious history than house Red Lion does. Having dominated the Iron throne from its onset till the late 90s, amassing a total of 17 titles. Unfortunately since the turn of the century house Lion has turned into a museum of sorts. They ave been thrown to the peripheries of the battle for the Iron throne, this season they will be looking to return to the front line.
Lord Kanyi will be looking to the likes of Ser Teddy, the returning Ser Odipo, Ser Akaranga and Ser Benedict to lead his charge to the throne.
10. Kenya Harlequins.
House: Quin
Sigil: Samurai
Words: Sure, Strong, Superior/Not so long ago we were invincible.
Rivals: House Impala, House Red Lion.
Story
The third side in the Ngong road axis and maybe by far the proudest and loudest. That pride hitting the mountain tops during the period that they occupied the Iron throne for three seasons in a row one of those after not losing a single battle. The house has however been struggling since, finishing a distant 10th last time round.
Lord Charlie will be banking on the likes of Ser Tony, Ser Keegan, Ser Moegere, Ser Ayange and Eden to lead his charge and return the house to former glory.
11. Pan-Africa Strathmore Leos
House: Leo
Sigil: Leo crest
Words: Twenty Seven/We always almost win, always!
Rivals: House Eschuma, House Deejays.
Story
For many, house Leo is the representation of hard work in the battle for the iron throne. Joining the battle as mere minnows, who lost battle after battle, the house is now considered a serious challenger for the throne. They are however yet to occupy the iron throne, always falling off at the latter stages. Their best campaign ending in a heavy defeat to house Mnyore in the final.
Lord Mitch will be looking to go all the way this season banking on the likes of the Ser Tonys, Ser Adrian, Ser Wanjala and the returning Sir Kiks to lead his charges.
So who will occupy the Iron throne after 26 weeks of battle? Even we don’t know that, however what we know is, we will be giving you an unrivaled pound for pound coverage of every battle. Find the complete set of fixtures here
KWISHA…Nimeruka Nje!!
