Six matches are lined up for the 2022-2023 Kenya Cup Matchday 1 this weekend.
Champions Kabras Sugar begin their title defence at home to Catholic Monks at the Kakamega Showground in Kakamega Town.
Kabras have been busy in the pre-season, playing a number of buildup fixtures that included winning the Victoria Cup and a friendly encounter against Kenya Harlequin this past weekend, where they lost 35-24 at the RFUEA ground.
Catholic Monks are making a return to the top tier after an eight year hiatus and do have their work cut.
Another match will see last season’s runners up Menengai Oilers battle three-time champions Mean Machine, who are also making their return to the top flight after spending last season in the KRU Championship.
Nine-time champions KCB have date with former holders Quins at the KCB Sports Club in Ruaraka.
Both sides have been busy in pre-season. KCB won the Impala Floodlit tournament just over a fortnight ago. The bankers beat Quins 14-10 in their quarterfinal fixture under the Impala lights.
Quins will be keen to improve on last season’s performance which saw them plummet when it mattered despite starting the season on a high.
Head coach Paul Murunga has assembled a squad of youth and experience that he hopes can can be competitive and, hopefully, qualify for the playoffs.
Last season losing semifinalists Strathmore Leos and Masinde Muliro clash in Madaraka as Mwamba take on Homeboyz.
Blak Blad host Nakuru at the Kenyatta University.
