Kabras RFC are 2023/24 Kenya Cup after defeating KCB Rugby 29-5 in the Kenya Cup final played at Kakamega Showground to achieve a historic three-peat in their 10th season.
A three-peat sees Kabras join the elites Impala, Kenya Harlequin, Nondies, and KCB Rugby who have won the three-peat since 1970. Kabras have now beaten KCB four times in a row under coach Carlos Katywa. They are unbeaten in 26 matches under Katywa and have won 28 in a row.
Kabras RFC impressive start
The Sugarmen wasted no time asserting their dominance, securing the first points of the game just three minutes in as Walter Okoth dashed over for a try behind the posts after a beautiful switch of play by Brian Tanga. Ntabeni Dukisa slotted in the conversion, propelling Kabras to an early 7-0 lead.
Kabras RFC’s George Nyambua in action against KCB Rugby. PHOTO/Adolwa Miliza for Kabras
Building on their momentum, Kabras extended their lead to 15-0 ten minutes later with a penalty followed by a try from Kevin Wekesa after a clever chip by Dukisa.
Despite missing the conversion, Dukisa’s efforts compounded KCB’s troubles as Griffin Musila was shown a yellow card, reducing the bankers to 14 men.
Seizing the opportunity, Kabras capitalized on their numerical advantage, with Dukisa collecting a well-weighted pass to score their third try. This time, Dukisa’s conversion attempt was successful, extending Kabras’ lead to 22-0 by the half-hour mark.
However, Kabras soon found themselves facing their own deficit as Dukisa was sin-binned shortly after. This presented KCB with an opportunity to get on the scoreboard, which they seized with finesse as Vincent Onyala evaded the defense to score a try wide on the overlap.
Darwin Mukidza’s conversion attempt went wide, and at halftime, Kabras led 22-5.
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Things went from bad to worse to KCB minutes after the start of the second half, as Elvis Olukusi was sent to the sin bin after an infringement.
Kabras, however failed to accept the opportunity as numerous mishandling in KCB 22 ensured the scores remained the same.
Kabras RFC players in a previous Kenya Cup final. PHOTO/ CMoncy Images
Ironically it was immediately after Olukusi returned to the field when Kabras scored their fourth try of the game, as Brian Tanga’s routine quick restart caught KCB defence napping to score.
Dukisa added the extras as the score turned 29-5 as Kabras defended the cup, winning their third consecutive Kenya Cup title.
Kabras RFC start
Kabras RFC: 1. Emmanuel Otieno 2. Eugene Sifuna 3. Asuma Mugerwa 4. David Bunduki 5. Brian Juma 6. George Nyambua (C) 7. Kelvin Wekesa 8. Gabriel Adero 9. Brian Tanga 10. Barry Robinson 11. Lamec Ambetsa 12. Walter Okoth 13. Bryceson Adaka 14. Alfred Orege 15. Ntabeni Dukisa Reserves: 16. Teddy Akala 17. Edward Mwaura 18. Ephraim Oduor 19. Hillary Odhiambo 20. William Mwanjii 21. Patrick Lumumba 22. Jeanson Misoga 23. Brian Mutua
KCB RC: 1. Oscar Simiyu 2. Griffin Musila (C) 3. Wilhite Mususi 4. Emanuel Silungi 5. Andycole Omollo 6. Elvis Olukusi 7. Felix Ojow 8. Kolian Persian 9. Samuel Asati 10. Levi Amunga 11. Austin Sikutwa 12. Bob Muhati 13. Vincent Onyala 14. Michael Wamalwa 15. Darwin Mukidza Reserves 16. Fidel Maina 17. Patrick Ouko 18. Nelson Nyandat 19. Davis Chenge 20. Peter Waitere 21. Brian Wahinya 22. Festus Shiasi 23. Peter Kilonzo
