Joseph Wanjala of KCB (with the ball) in action against Kisumu RFC last weekend/HANDOUTKisumu RFC coach Howard Okwemba remains optimistic of securing a Kenya Cup playoff berth despite his side losing their opening two matches of the season.
Kisumu fell 36–12 to Nondescripts in their opener before suffering a second successive defeat last weekend, going down 41–10 to Kenya Cup giants KCB Rugby at the Jomo Kenyatta Stadium, Mamboleo.
“The games against Nondies and KCB were very clinical. The two teams capitalised on their chances, while on our side, we didn’t utilise ours,” Okwemba said.
He insisted, however, that the campaign is far from lost.
“We hope to put in an improved performance as we move forward. There is definitely room for improvement, both individually and collectively,” he added.
Kisumu now travel to Nakuru for another stern test against log leaders Menengai Oilers at the Nakuru ASK grounds from 4 pm.
“The game against Menengai Oilers will be another difficult one. In the Kenya Cup, there are no easy teams. Against the Oilers, we will focus on getting the basics right and playing our brand of rugby,” said Okwemba.
The Oilers top the standings heading into the final fixtures of the year with 10 points, level with Kabras Sugar, KCB Rugby and Strathmore Leos but boasting a superior points difference of 151.
Elsewhere, promoted sides Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) and Daystar University are finding life tough in the top flight. Both remain winless after two rounds.
Daystar Falcons were beaten 76–16 by Menengai Oilers before suffering a 58–0 loss to Kabras Sugar, while MMUST went down 67–6 to defending champions Kabras in their opener and lost 24–13 to Kenya Harlequins last weekend.
