It's another Rai derby in Kenya Cup final and Enterprise Cup

Masinde Muliro 7s' Brian Ndeda (left) challenge Biden Bayo of Kabras Sugars 7s during Kabeberi 7s tournament 2023/24 at RFUEA Ground, Nairobi. August 31, 2024. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Kabras Sugar and Menengai Oilers have continued to stamp their authority in rugby after booking a final berth in the Kenya Rugby Union competitions for the second time.

Kabras knocked out Nondescripts 45-6 to stroll to their 10th straight Kenya Cup final in Kakamega while Menengai Oilers stunned favourites KCB 31-8 to set up a Rai derby ahead of the finals set for April 12 at Kakamega Showground.

Two weeks ago, the two sides booked their place in the Enterprise Cup finals after Kabras knocked out KCB in the semis while Oilers saw off Blak Blad in Nakuru.

Since their promotion to the Kenya Cup in 2014, Kabras has steadily grown into a powerhouse, backed by West Kenya Sugar Company, whose Managing Director, Tejveer Rai, has provided unwavering support.

On the other hand, the Oilers are also following a similar trajectory under the sponsorship of Menengai Oil Refineries Limited, led by Onkar Rai.

The clash between the two Rai Group-backed teams adds an extra layer of intrigue, with many viewing it as a battle between Tejveer Rai and his younger brother Onkar Rai.

Meanwhile, Kenya Sevens mixed run at the second last leg of the 2024-2025 HSBC SVNS ended yesterday after finishing a distant 10th at the Hong Kong Sevens.

This is after Shujaa conceded a last-minute try to go down 19-17 to South Africa in the ninth-place final playoffs played at the Kai Tak Stadium.

Shujaa had a poor start to the match after finding themselves trailing 12-0.

Shilton van Wyk gave South Africa an early lead with a try in the opening minute before youngster Gino Cupido broke away down the right wing to score the second try that extended the Blitzboks lead to 12-0.

Kenya responded with Captain Samuel Asati setting up Nygel Amaitsa for a converted try to cut the deficit to 12-7.

Moments later, Amaitsa executed a well-placed grabber kick, chased it down, and scored to tie the game at 12-12 before halftime. In the final half, Shujaa took the lead when Patrick Odongo picked a well-executed offload from Jone Kubu to sprint over for a 17-12 advantage.

However, South Africa fought back, with Siviwe Soyizwapi scoring a crucial try that would be converted by Dewald Human for a 19-17 win.

Kenya remains in the relegation zone with 18 points.

The 10th finish saw them accumulate only three points.

With only the Singapore Sevens leg left, Shujaa is now poised to take part in the relegation and promotion playoff matches set for Los Angeles in May.

The bottom four teams from the HSBC SVNS will meet with the top four teams from the World Rugby Challenger Series in a winner-take-all finale.