The play-off push and survival battle will take centre stage this weekend as the KRU Championship enters the penultimate stage on Saturday.
The battle for a home semi-final is shaping up to be a three-horse race between log leaders Mwamba RFC, second-placed Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) Cougars, and South Coast Pirates, who sit third on the table.
In the penultimate round of games, Mwamba RFC have a tricky fixture against Catholic Monks in Karen, while JKUAT Cougars hope to bounce back to winning ways when they welcome bottom-of-the-table Western Bulls.
Third-placed South Coast Pirates host National Youth Service (NYS) Spades at Sea Crest School in Diani, Kwale County.
Mwamba lead the table with 36 points, followed by JKUAT Cougars with 34 points, the same as South Coast Pirates. Catholic Monks are fourth with 32 points.
Speaking ahead of the game against NYS Spades, South Coast Pirates coach Tony Khadambi said they want to end the regular season on a high note.
“This game means a lot for the players, management, and our fans. We are coming off a hard-fought 25-18 win over Catholic Monks, and this gives us the confidence,” added the coach.
He further noted that NYS Spades are not only disciplined but also physical. “We know it won’t be easy. For us, it’s about finishing strong at home, executing our structures, and giving our fans something to be proud of,” he remarked.
The United States International University Africa (USIU-A) Martials are engaged in a battle for survival. The former Kenya Cup side are 10th on the log, just above the relegation zone. The students have garnered 12 points from nine games.
They face Homeboyz in a game that coach Tom Lagat has termed their biggest fixture of the season. “A win for us will possibly assure us of our survival,” said the coach. They will conclude their season against the JKUAT Cougars next Saturday.
Zetech University Oaks, who are 11th on the log, host a playoff-seeking Kisii Rugby. Kisii’s playoff chances were boosted by a 22-12 win over JKUAT Cougars last weekend at Cardinal Otunga High School, Mosocho.
Zetech Oaks have nine points, and Western Bulls, who are at the bottom of the table, have five. Kisii’s assistant coach, George Sagini, said: “This week, we have basically spent it on recovering from the game against JKUAT Cougars. The boys know what is at stake, and all we want is a win against Zetech Oaks.”
