Kenya Cup resumes after a one week break as the race for the playoff intensifies at various venues across the country.
Fifth-placed Impala host seventh-placed Nakuru in the match to be televised live by Bamba Sport from 4pm. The hosts have 34 points—one ahead of the visitors in what will be an entertaining showdown. Impala thrashed Blak Blad 38-19 in their last outing as Nakuru edged Strathmore Leos 33-18. It will be a game of contrasting styles between the two sides with Sarries relying on their flair and pace and Nakuru playing to their traditional strengths in the forwards. In the first game played between the two sides in November, Impala came away with a narrow 26-22 victory in Nakuru.
Coach Frank Ndong will rely on the experienced Davis Makori, Steve Juma, Ugandan Saul Kivumbi and Elkeans Musonye up-front with Kenya Simbas half-back Samson Onsomu, Samuel Motari and Bill Omondi the key actors in the back-line. Ndong expects a competitive contest as the race for the Kenya Cup playoffs gathers pace.
“It will be a good game as both sides want to make it to the playoffs. The fact that both are enjoying top form makes it more interesting,” he added.
On his part, Nakuru coach Mitch Ocholla believes his charges have found form at the right time with four matches to go the playoffs. The Rift Valley-based outfit have edged Mwamba, Menengai Oilers and Mwamba in consecutive weeks to move up from eighth to the sixth slot on the log.
Ocholla will bank on Phillip Owuor, Edwins Makori, John Mbugua and Charles Odongo in the forwards with Geoffrey Ominde, the link man in the backs alongside Duncan Abuyeka, Oscar Ouma and Walter Okoth. Ocholla said his side was relishing the challenge of facing Impala.
The match will be preceded by a clash between Mwamba and Homeboyz at the same venue at 2pm. In other fixtures, league leaders Kabras have a date with Blak Blad in Kakamega as KCB seek revenge against Nondies at the Lions Den in Ruaraka. Third-placed Quins host Menengai Oilers at the RFUEA ground as Strathmore Leos host Mean Machine in Madaraka.
