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Saturday’s Kenya Cup semifinals promise high-stakes rugby action, with the winners securing a coveted spot in the final.

Defending champions Kabras Sugar find themselves in familiar territory when they host Nondies at Kakamega Showground at 3:00 p.m. Kabras will be eyeing their fourth title in their ninth consecutive semifinal appearance.

Their flawless performance in the regular season, including a dominant 40-0 win over Nondescripts, sets them as clear favorites.

Nondies in Kenya Cup

However, Nondies’ unexpected journey to the final four, highlighted by a thrilling 26-20 win over Kenya Harlequin, underscores their potential to upset the odds.

The Rangers staged a remarkable comeback to reach this stage. The white shirts displayed their determination, with former Quins player Dominic Osino scoring a try and Moseti Nyaenya converting within the first four minutes, giving Nondies a 7-0 lead.

Despite Evin Asena’s penalty narrowing the gap to 7-3 for Quins at the 20-minute mark, the game took a pivotal turn when Quins’ winger Zeden Marrow received a red card, reducing them to 14 men.

Nondies’ Alex Devereux was also sent to the sin bin just before halftime, allowing Quins to take advantage and lead 13-7 at the break after Asena converted Richel Wangila’s try.

Although Quins extended their lead to 20-7 early in the second half with Asena’s conversion of Meshack Tunnechi’s try, their momentum faltered when Wangila was binned. Meanwhile, Nondies regained their full complement with Devereux’s return.

Charles Omondi, brought on as a second-half replacement, scored Nondies’ second try, followed by Nyaenya converting Fred Shisia’s try, bringing the score to 20-19 with 14 minutes remaining.

As Quins pressed forward to secure a buffer, Nondies’ staunch defence held firm, denying their opponents access to the try-line. With the momentum swinging in their favour, Nondies surged into Quins’ territory, and Steve Odhiambo powered over the try line, securing the victory with Nyaenya’s conversion.

As they battle in Kakamega, Kabras will rely on Ntabeni Dukisa’s playmaking skills and George Nyambua’s physical presence to set the tone.

But Nondies, led by the resilient captain Steve Odhiambo, are prepared to rise to the challenge and secure their maiden Kenya Cup final berth.

KCB vs Oilers in Kenya Cup

Over at Ruaraka, KCB and Menengai Oilers renew their semifinal rivalry for the fourth consecutive year as they face off at 4:00 p.m. The recent clash saw Oilers clinch a 21-7 victory, setting the stage for another intense battle.

The matchup between scrumhalves Samuel Asati and Samson Onsomu adds intrigue, as their performances could tilt the scales in favor of their respective teams.

While KCB holds a historical edge in semifinal encounters, having won two out of three previous meetings, the Oilers are determined to rewrite history and book their place in the final.