Kisumu RFC coach Howard Okwemba has backed his charges to rise to the occasion and record their first game in the Kenya Cup when they host Impala RFC today (Saturday) at Jomo Kenyatta Grounds, Mamboleo, Kisumu County.
The Bravehearts have gone five games without a win this season, and coach Okwemba says they are concerned, but there is no reason to worry despite the poor run.
“We are concerned, yes, but we are working on the grey areas after our performance in the last game,” said Okwemba.
Following their 41-28 loss against Daystar University Falcons, Okwemba said they have been re-strategising on how to overcome Impala.
“We regroup and strategise on getting our first win at home. We know that Impala plays a very good brand of rugby. We will approach the game cautiously because we have learnt lessons from our last game,” noted the tactician.
Okwemba attributed the loss against Daystar Falcons on Saturday last week to loss of concentration. It was Daystar Falcon’s first in the Kenya Cup since they were promoted from the KRU Championship.
“We were leading up to the last 15 minutes of the game. The boys lost concentration, and Daystar utilised their opportunities and beat us,” he added.
The tactician said new signings who joined the team in the mid-season transfer window have contributed to the team’s performance. “The team is getting better. The new players have added energy and competition in the team,” added Okwemba.
Kisumu RFC sits bottom of the log with one point and has a points difference of negative 198. Masinde Murilo University of Science and Technology (MMUST) will on Saturday look for their second win of the season when they face Nondescripts at Ngong Race Course.
Last weekend, Masinde Murilo narrowly beat Impala 20-15 to record their first win of the 2025-26 season.
MMUST coach John Asila said the win against Impala was a turning point for them.
“We have been working hard but not winning. The win against Impala was very important,” said the tactician.
by ANGWENYI GICHANA
