Chrispine Shitundo of Oilers breaks
a blak Blad tackle during a recent league match/ HANDOUT
The race for the Kenya Cup
playoffs and survival returns on Saturday after a two-week break occasioned by
the Enterprise Cup and HSBC Sevens Series.
Last season's finalists,
Menengai Oilers, make the short trip to the capital to take on Nondies at
the Racecourse grounds in the highlight of the weekend.
Oilers sit second on the log
with 34 points, while Nondies, who have a game in hand, are sixth with 14
points
The Nakuru-based side hopes to
have momentum ahead of two blockbuster fixtures against champions Kabras and
KCB in the next fortnight.
Coach Gibson Weru expects a
competitive contest against Nondies.
"It will be tough.
Nondies have improved in the last couple of seasons and have a similar playing
style to us, which is dominance in the forwards. They will be formidable
playing at home,” said Weru.
"We have had a week's
break after gruelling January. The boys are refreshed and eager to go not only
for this fixture, but also for the title run-in."
Weru will rely on a robust set
of forwards, where the clash will be won. At his disposal are Desterious
Ifedha, skipper Ibrahim Ayoo, Jadah Abdon, Amos Obae and Samuel Were.
Samuel Mwaura, Phillip Okeyo
and Samuel Ovwamu will be the key actors among the backs.
Nondies will hope to
kick-start their campaign after an inconsistent start to the season, which has
seen them win two games out of six.
Coach Moses Wanyaga said the
recent 27-17 win over Strathmore Leos has given them a lifeline.
“We hope now to translate that
win in the Cup to wins in the league, starting against the Oilers, which
we know won't be a walk in the park," he said.
Wanyaga will bank on Elisha
Koronya, Boniface Amimo, Adrian Mundia and Charles Odhiambo upfront, with Tony
Fidens, Maxwell Omondi and Ian Mumbwani the pick of the backs.
In other fixtures, Blak Blad
face a daunting task against Kabras at the Kenyatta University grounds.
KCB have a date with Masinde
Muliro University of Science and Technology, while Quins host Daystar Falcons
at the RFUEA ground.
Nakuru entertain Impala
as Strathmore Leos welcome Kisumu RFC to Madaraka.
