The 15’s season comes to a close on Saturday when champions Kabras and Menengai Oilers clash in a hugely anticipated Enterprise Cup final at the Nakuru Ask showground on Saturday.
This will be the second meeting between the two rivals this month after Kabras retained the Kenya Cup early this month at the Kakamega showground for the fourth year running.
They matched the exploits of Impala, Nondies and KCB after beating Oilers 27-26. Nakuru will host the final for the first time since 1964, and it promises to be a hard-fought showdown with Oilers having a point to prove and playing in front of their fans.
Kabras are chasing a fifth Enterprise Cup, and coach Carlos Katywa said they must play to their strengths and be resolute in defence. The South African tactician has warned his charges to expect a backlash from the Oilers.
” They will be hurting after losing by a point in the Kenya Cup final, so we must be ready for a big physical battle. “We will be in the enemy’s territory and I am confident we can emerge victorious,” added Katywa..
Key players for the sugarmillers will be skipper George Nyambua, Eugene Sifuna, Ephraim Oduor and Patrick Lumumba in the forward pack. Barry Robinson and Ntabeni Dukisa will be the half-back pairing with Walter Okoth and Bryceson Adaka in the midfield with the speedy Griffin Chao, Brian Mutua and Eric Cantona in the back three.
Oilers’ coach Gibson Weru believes they have an opportunity to correct the wrongs of the final in Kakamega, where a slow start and indiscipline cost them dearly. “We played with a lot of emotion in the final. There was a lack of clarity in some facets of play, and we have reviewed the final with the team. This time around, we have to be efficient and clinical in our execution,“ said Weru.
He added: “There are areas where we believe Kabras are vulnerable and we can exploit them and come away with points. All in all, it points to a competitive final between two good teams.”
The former Kenya Sevens playmaker said home advantage will be key. “This is the first time Nakuru is hosting, so we want to give the fans something to celebrate and enjoy as we close the season.”
The tactician said he will make three changes to the side, with the majority of the players who played in the final returning for a chance to redeem themselves.
Skipper Ibrahim Ayoo leads the forward pack alongside Francis Atiti, Vincent Mwikhali, Nelson Makoha and the towering Amos Obae. In the backs, Weru has recalled Beldad Ogeta, on the wing for his pace and power alongside the experienced hard-hitting Samuel Ovwamu, vice captain Chrispine Shitundo and Timothy Omela.
