After a Kenya Cup campaign that promised a lot but delivered very little for the Homeboyz, the Enterprise cup presents the perfect shot at redemption for the Jamuhuri based side.
At some point in that Kenya cup season, we had all agreed that the title was their’s to lose, that was until they met Kabras in the Semi finals and lost after extra time. Their quest for a first major 15s title could however still be on course with the Enterprise Cup well in sight.
The deejays who benefited from a walk over at the quarter finals, after Strathmore pulled out, had kicked off their campaign with a 32-20 win over Western Bulls. That they have had enough time to prepare for this one is in no doubt.
They meet a KCB side that registered a 49-6 result over Blakblad to book this date. The lions will be without up to 15 of their regulars for this one, a bulk of those out with the national sides, the rest due to injuries. Homeboyz will also be without a handful of their more regular faces, but not to the Lions’ extent.
It was the Lions who dashed the deejays hopes for a first 15s title, 2 seasons ago when these two met at the Enterprise Cup final. At that point, the Homeboyz were just getting into their stride, this time round, almost everything points to a Homeboyz win and a ticket to the final.
The last time the Djs visited the den, the Lions had gone 12 games unbeaten, they left having snapped that run with a 33-24 result.
With the likes of Leonard Mugaisi, Max Kangeri, Michael Wanjala, Polycap Odhiambo, Steve Otieno and Charles Omondi all available for selection, this Homeboyz side will definitely pack a punch. Despite the absentees, the Lions still have an impressive set of players available, leading the pack will be Curtis Lilako and Oliver Mang’eni he of the squat memes, Nick Ongeri, James Kilonzo and Collins Wanjala.
The hosts will be no push over and this being knock out rugby, you cannot write them off entirely, a win here however will be a really impressive feat.
Whenever these two meet, the hits always come in hard and fast, for this one however, I don’t see KCB matching the Homeboyz pound for pound, it they are to win this one they will have to defend resolutely and play to the spaces.
To this effect, Shaban Ahmed and Waliula Wanjala will be vital for the Lions, who will need to be very clinical on the day. The Homeboyz will have no reason to change from their tried and tested style, coming to the den with a clear upper hand, if the Lions fail to keep their defence water tight, things could go south real fast at the den.
If you will be at the game be on the look out for my picks for player of the season, Max Kang’eri (Homeboyz) and James Kilonzo (KCB), I had hoped they would face up at the center of the park but KCB have deployed James on the wing, I hope they do get to face off at the weekend.
The winner here will meet the winner from the other semi final between Impala and Kabras to be played at Kakamega. Will it be 4 finals in 2 seasons for the sugar millers or can Impala finally get one over Kabras in Kakamega?
KWISHA…Nimeruka Nje!!!
