Kenya’s premier rugby knockout tournament, the Enterprise Cup, enters a decisive phase this weekend as four top clubs battle for a place in the final.

Reigning Kenya Cup champions Kabras RFC will renew their fierce rivalry with KCB RFC in a high-stakes semi-final clash in Kakamega, while Menengai Oilers take on Nondescripts in Nakuru.

However, the tournament has been marred by a worrying trend of walkovers, raising concerns over club commitments and the scheduling of fixtures.

For KCB Rugby Football Club, under Coach Oliver Mang’eni, are still reeling from their loss last weekend to rivals Kabras RFC, who currently top the Kenya Cup table.

They are keen to avenge the defeat at the same venue (ASK Showground) in Kakamega. It is expected to be a fiercely contested affair between the two rivals, both of whom have won multiple silverware.

Coach Mang’eni, whose team lost 25-17 to the sugar millers coached by Carlos Katywa last week, believes the focus and mindset must shift quickly, leaving behind the disappointments of the last encounter.

“The boys started the game well. In the first half, we put a lot of pressure on Kabras. However, in the second half, we made too many mistakes in our territory, which cost us the win. It is time for us to go back to the drawing board and work on the areas where we fell short. I am confident we will bounce back stronger and better.”

In the last five meetings between the two teams, Kabras has dominated with a 5-0 record against the Bankers, who are based at the “Ruaraka Den.”

With another double in sight, these results should act as a psychological boost for the team from the Forest, captained by veteran George Nyambua, who is keen to lead his side to a 10th consecutive final.

Menengai Oilers will face Nondescripts RFC in the first semi-final at the “Refinery” in Nakuru City after advancing due to a walkover against Homeboyz RFC in the quarter-finals.

Similarly, Nondies progressed without playing after South Coast Pirates forfeited their match in another quarter-final encounter.

The last time these two teams met was in the Kenya Cup, where Oilers, under Coach Gibson Weru, secured a commanding 34-25 victory, underscoring their mettle and recent dominance. The last time Nondies beat Menengai Oilers was back in the 2018/2019 season.

This means that in their subsequent five meetings, Oilers have consistently had the upper hand.

The issue of walkovers, which was prevalent in the 2023/24 season, has resurfaced. In the pre-quarterfinals held on December 14, 2024, three walkovers were recorded: Kabras RFC was awarded a 28-0 victory after Kisumu RFC failed to show up for their match; Blak Blad forfeited their trip to the coast, granting South Coast Pirates a 28-0 walkover; and Homeboyz RFC also benefited from a walkover after MMUST RFC failed to honour their fixture.

Notably, this year’s tournament scheduling has changed. The Enterprise Cup now runs concurrently with the Kenya Cup season, whereas previously, it was held after the conclusion of the 15s season.

The semi-finals are set for March 15, with the final scheduled for April 19, 2025.