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KCB's Forward Elvis Okulusi makes a run past his opponents at the Nakuru Showground during Kenya Cup clash against Menengai Oilers.[Washington Onyango,Standard]
Menengai Oilers will be hoping to repeat last year's heroics when they travel to face former champions KCB in the Kenya Cup semifinals set for KCB Sports Club on Saturday from 4pm.
The Gibson Weru-led outfit eliminated the bankers at the same stage last season courtesy of Geoffrey Ominde's perfect kicking that stroked home eight penalties on their way to a 24-17 upset at Ruaraka.
The win, Oilers' first ever victory over the bankers in their last eight meeting, saw the Nakuru based club rise in status despite losing the final to defending champions Kabras Sugar who will play Kenya Harlequin in the second semifinals in Kakamega.
The 2022-2023 regular season did not go well for Oilers who lost four matches compared to the bankers who handed them their biggest loss after a 62-15 hammering at their home backyard.
Despite that result being thrown under the bridge with both sides coming into this tie aware of what is stake, a final, KCB still has an upper hand considering their impressive head-to-head record of seven wins and one loss.
However, the bankers will need to be at their disciplined best to avoid a repeat of last year's debacle and complete their revenge over the side that ended their reign as Kenya Cup champions.
Speaking ahead of the match, Oilers tactician Weru said discipline, ball possession and patience would be key for them in the semis.
Weru said they made many mistakes in their regular season heavy defeat but have since worked out their challenges as they seek a second consecutive final.
"We know it is not going to be an easy game especially after last year's achievements. We expect a very tough match. They showed us their side in Nakuru but that is gone. Today's game is a very different game and we are going all in.
"We had many mistakes in our previous game but that has been sorted. We have a plan and a target that we set at the beginning of the season which is to get to the final again," said Weru.
Oilers, playing their third successive Kenya Cup semifinal against KCB, came agonizingly close to lifting last season's title when they rattled Kabras before falling to a 35-28 defeat in a tantalizing final.
On the other hand, KCB RFC Backs Coach Mariko Mushilla said they are mentally prepared for the semis after last year's disappointment.
"We understand the magnitude of the clash and the pressure that comes with it so we are preparing well both physically and technically. We do not want to take anything for granted. We are paying close attention to the details hopefully we emerge victorious on Saturday."
This season, the bankers have been on top form winning 10 out of 11 matches played in the regular season with the only loss being to Kabras Sugar on match day 10.
