Kabras break KCB vault

Kabras Sugar successfully defended the Kenya Cup title after defeating bitter rivals KCB RFC 19-9 in an epic final staged at the Kakamega Showground over the weekend.

The sugar millers defended their title with an unbeaten record in the entire season, winning all their scheduled fixtures on their way to reclaiming the silverware.

KCB came into the finals seeking revenge after they were beaten by the Sugarmen in the regular season where the Kakamega-based side prevailed 29-23 in a nail-biting fixture, but the hosts were well prepared for the onslought.

It was Kabras Sugar’s second consecutive victory and third overall over the bankers, having previously won the trophy in 2016 and 2022. They won last year’s title against Menengai Oilers at the Bullring in Kakamega.

Heading to the much-awaited final in Kakamega, Kabras hosted the finals by virtue of having been the top-ranked team at the end of the regular season.  From the onset, Kabras Sugar showcased their intent to reclaim the title by camping on the Banker’s 22-yard which eventually paid off with South African Ntabeni Dukisa slotting in a penalty after the Curtis Olago-coached side caused an infringement. 3-0 in favour of the Sugarmen.

The Bankers would launch a scathing attack with endless pressure on the Sugarmen yard but continuous handling mistakes and poor decision-making caused the former champions an equalizer.

Shujaa fast-rising utility Johnstone Olindi’s knocked on in the try box after several phases of attacks from the Bankers for Kabras to head to the intervals 3-0 up.

Soon after the second half, Dukisa would slot in another penalty for a 6-0 lead before the ever-present Kenya Simba fullback Darwin Mukidza scored three consecutive penalties for a 9-9 all-score line after Dukisa also added a third one in favour of the home team.

In what proofed to be a game of big hits and limitless physical contacts, the Bankers were unable to break the Kabras defence which was being marshalled by the experienced George Nyambua and Dan Sikuta.

A KCB infringement would see Dukisa step up for a penalty, with the talented flyhalf slotting in the extras for a 12-9 lead.

Kabras would land a penalty try after KCB collapsed the maul before Kenya Sevens scrum-half Brian Tanga broke through the defence before being tackled high. Dukisa drilled home the resultant penalty to ensure Kabras’s victory.

As the centre referee Victor Oduor blew the final whistle, the ecstatic crowd supporting Kabras poured onto the pitch in celebration amidst the traditional Isukuti dance as they celebrated their well-deserved victory.

This was the 16th meeting between the two rivals with KCB winning 11 of their 15 previous games while one encounter ended in a draw.

Kenya cup teams will now shift focus to the Enterprise Cup after the regular Kenya cup season came to an end.