Kisii Rugby ready for their KRU Championship return against Mwamba

Kisii Rugby players after their training session/ANGWENYI GICHANA

Kisii RFC host leaders Mwamba in their KRU Championship return on Saturday after a five-year hiatus.

Kisii, a former Kenya Cup side, welcome the Ngong’ Road side at Kisii School from 3 pm in what is expected to be an explosive encounter.

Kisii were scheduled to open their second-tier league campaign last weekend away to South Coast Pirates, but the match was postponed.

Kisii Rugby cited financial constraints for their failure to travel to Ukunda for the fixture.

Kisii’s interim coach, Nelvin Lumiti, on Friday said his young charges are raring to go.

“Mwamba are an experienced side. That’s the advantage they have over us because most of our boys are young. However, they are ready to fight for the win. Mwamba have never beaten us in both 15s and 7s. We want to maintain that record,” said Lumiti.

“We are happy to be back in the KRU Championship. We have had good preparations.”

Lumiti took over from Lee Aristone, who joined Kenya Cup powerhouse Kabras RFC as an assistant coach.

In their opening match of the season, Mwamba thrashed newcomers National Youth Service (NYS) Spades 37–13 and will look to build on that as they seek an immediate return to the Kenya Cup.

Meanwhile, Pirates are expected to unleash the recently signed Ugandan trio of Alphonse Otieno, Bryan Wanyangu and Robin Odrua in their match against Western Bulls at the Bull Ring in Kakamega.

They arrived alongside coach Tony Khadambi from Jinja Hippos in Uganda.

United States International University–Africa (USIU–A) coach Tom Lagat has challenged his charges to respond positively when they face Catholic Monks.

“We expect a disciplined performance. The boys have recovered from the narrow loss against Zetech Oaks. Even though we have some injuries, they are focused on the game,” he said.

“We have addressed the key areas from last weekend, and if we maintain our structures and composure, we shall deliver a competitive match.”

Elsewhere, former Kenya Cup side Homeboyz host newcomers NYS Spades, while the University of Nairobi's Mean Machine welcome Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) Cougars in a varsity derby.

Mombasa RFC host Zetech University’s Oaks at the Mombasa Sports Club.