Kenya Harlequins make the short trip to Thika Road to face former champions KCB as the 2022 /2023 Kenya Cup season begins at various venues across the country on Saturday.
The two sides clashed during the Impala Floodlit tournament early this month with the bankers narrowly winning 14-10 in the quarterfinal.
Quins head coach Paul Murunga will be buoyed by the side's performance during the preseason as well as last week's 35-24 friendly win over champions Kabras at the RFUEA ground.
Murunga said the side must match the physicality and intensity of KCB if they are to win the encounter.
"It will be a tough test for our young guys but we will battle and be competitive in the encounter,” added Murunga.
The former Kenya Sevens' coach will rely on Elisha Koronya, Meshack Tunenchi, skipper Malcolm Onsando and Sheldon Kahi in the forwards while Dominic Osino, Jan Remke and Richel Wangila will be the key actors in the backline.
Fresh from winning a fourth consecutive Impala Floodlit title, KCB are hopeful of reclaiming the Kenya Cup title having lost to Menengai Oilers in the semi-final last season.
Assistant coach Mark Mshila said they have done a robust pre-season and will go all out to win the league title.
"We are in transition with lots of young players on board and we are confident we have what it takes to go all the way,” added Mshila.
The hosts will rely on Oscar Simiyu, Wilfred Waswa, Davis Chenge and Peter Waitere upfront with Brian Wahinya, Shaban Ahmed, and Isaac Njoroge the key actors in the backline.
In other fixtures, champions Kabras open their title defence against Catholic University Monks at the Kakamega showground, while last year's losing finalists Menengai Oilers face Mean Machine at the Nakuru showground.
Strathmore Leos take on Masinde Muliro University at Madaraka while Blak Blad host Nakuru RFC at Kenyatta University. Mwamba face Homeboyz in the final match of the day.
