KCB's Elvis Namusasi in action against KISUMU RFC last weekend/HANDOUTKCB RFC face Strathmore Leos as the Kenya Cup enters match day three tomorrow at various venues across the country.
Both sides have started the season strongly, winning their opening two matches, and tomorrow’s meeting promises an intriguing clash between two contrasting styles.
KCB, led by interim head coach Andrew Amonde, have been in ruthless form — thrashing Impala 87–5 before dispatching Kisumu 41–10. Leos, meanwhile, edged Blak Blad 32–30 and repeated the scoreline against Nondescripts last weekend.
The encounter will be the sides’ second meeting this season after facing off in the Impala Floodlit tournament in October, where the Bankers crushed the students 47–12.
This time, Amonde expects a tighter contest.
“They have recruited well, they have a good coach and they’ve started the season strongly. It will be a good contest,” he said.
KCB have made seven changes for the fixture, with Wilhite Mususi returning to the front row.
Kenya Simbas lock AndyCole Omolo reunites with Winston Macharia in the second row, while Kenya Sevens co-captain George Ooro starts at open-side flanker against his former club.
In the backline, Brian Wahinya starts at fly-half, pushing Elvis Namusasi to full-back.
Tyson Maina partners Kenya Sevens star Vincent Onyala in midfield, with Mike Kimwele and Festus Shiasi dropping to the bench.
Strathmore will rely on co-captain Ian Masheti, Raymond Chacha, Dennis Tubei and Stanislaus Shikholi to anchor the forward pack, while Arnold Muita, Amon Wamalwa, Victor Mola and Elton Amalemba headline their backline threats.
Strathmore coach Wills Ojal is braced for a fierce battle.
“It will be a tough match. We have momentum from our two victories and we hope to find a way past a quality opponent,” said Ojal.
Elsewhere, league leaders Menengai Oilers travel to Kisumu in search of their third successive win, while defending champions Kabras host winless Impala at the Kakamega Showground.
Nondescripts face Nakuru, MMUST meet fellow promoted side Daystar University, and Blak Blad host a resurgent Quins at Kenyatta University.
