The battle for the Kenya Cup playoff slots intensifies this weekend with third-placed Menengai Oilers and fourth-placed Quins colliding at the RFUEA grounds.
The match will be vital for the two sides, who have matches against both of champions Kabras and KCB later this month.
A win for either will solidify third place and a home quarterfinal in next month’s six-team playoffs.
Gibson Weru’s Oilers are still unbeaten, alongside Kabras and KCB, and will aim to inflict more misery on the Ngong' Road outfit, whose unbeaten run ended with last weekend’s 9-3 loss to Blak Blad at Kenyatta University.
The Nakuru-based side are on 29 points and Weru termed the match as one of the key tests of the season.
“It will be a tough match," said Weru. "Quins have improved in the past year. The match will be won upfront. Whoever dominates the setpiece will carry the day. It will be an eye-opener for us."
The 2022 losing finalists will be led by skipper Ibrahim Ayoo, Coleman Were, Elkeans Musonye and Jadon Abdah in a robust forward pack with the evergreen Samson Onsomu pulling the strings in the backs alongside Abdulwalib Wesonga, Beldad Ogeta, John Okoth and Dennis Abukuse.
Quins welcome back Cornelius Mukoro, Evin Asena and Richtel Wangila, who missed the defeat to Blak Blad. Coach Paul Murunga expects improvement, especially at scrum time.
“We got bullied (by Blak Blad) in the setpiece and our decision-making in the backs was not sharp. We need to respond against the Oilers,” said Murunga.
Other key players in the Quins side include skipper Herman Humwa, Mike Onsando and Ian Njenga in the forwards as well as Paul Mutsami, Zedden Marrow and Patrick Wainaina in the backline.
Leaders Kabras have a date with Nakuru at the Kakamega showground as second-placed KCB host Blak Blad in Ruaraka.
Strathmore Leos, who were annihilated 88-3 by Kabras last weekend, take on Nondies in the first of an RFUEA double-header.
Mwamba will face Catholic Monks while winless Homeboyz face Kisumu.
