Boom! KCB roars to Kenya Cup masterclass

Tyson Maina of KCB (left) charges past Kisumu RFC winger during their Kenya Cup match at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium. [KCB]

KCB Rugby has launched its 2024-2025 Kenya Cup campaign with unrelenting dominance, setting an early benchmark for the league.

The Bankers have scored a jaw-dropping 170 points in the opening two matches, cementing their place at the top of the table with a remarkable points difference of +162.

Following the 88-5 demolition of newcomers South Coast Pirates in the season opener, KCB delivered yet another statement of intent over the weekend by routing Kisumu RFC 80-3 at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Kisumu.

The Bankers have conceded just eight points across two matches—a try against Pirates and a penalty against Kisumu—showcasing their defensive solidity as well as offensive firepower.

Currently tied at 10 points with Menengai Oilers and defending champions Kabras Sugar, KCB’s superior point difference places them ahead.

The Oilers, with a difference of +95, and Kabras, at +69, trail in second and third positions.

The early-season form hints at a thrilling battle for supremacy, with KCB poised to challenge Kabras Sugar’s dominance. The Sugar Millers are chasing an unprecedented fourth consecutive title after clinching their third straight Kenya Cup trophy in April.

Tyson Maina of KCB (left) charges past Kisumu RFC winger during their Kenya Cup match at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium. [KCB]

The second weekend of Kenya Cup action delivered drama and quality rugby across six venues.

Defending champions Kabras Sugar continued their strong start, overpowering South Coast Pirates 45-3 at Diani Beach. While the Pirates showed flashes of promise, the champions’ experience proved too much to handle. Jone Kubu scored two tries as Teddy Akala, George Nyambua, Gbariel Adero and Griffins Chao got into scoresheet.

Elsewhere, Menengai Oilers asserted themselves as strong contenders with a commanding 38-8 win over Strathmore Leos in Nakuru.

The Oilers showcased their blend of physicality and pace, leaving no room for the students to mount a response.

Kenya Harlequin, fresh off an opening-day victory, maintained their unbeaten start with a hard-fought 17-0 win over Nakuru RFC at Suguta Valley. Their disciplined defensive structure ensured the Wanyore remained scoreless.

In Nairobi, Nondescripts edged out Mwamba 18-9 in a classic derby at Jamhuri Grounds. The game was a tightly contested affair, with Nondies holding their nerve in the final stages to secure the win.

Meanwhile, Blak Blad registered their first victory of the season by shutting out Impala RFC 23-0 in an impressive display of attacking rugby.

In the Championship division, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology continued their fine form with a comprehensive 30-5 win over the University of Eldoret Trojans.

Former Kenya Cup side Homeboyz RFC also sent a strong message with a dominant 47-0 thrashing of USIU Martials. The Deejays are mounting a serious bid for promotion back to the top tier.

Other notable Championship results included Daystar Falcons’ emphatic 30-11 victory over Mombasa SC and Western Bulls’ gritty 16-3 win over JKUAT Cougars. Catholic Monks and TUM Marines also emerged victorious in their respective encounters.

Weekend Results

KENYA CUP
KU Blak Blad 23–0 Impala RFC
Nakuru RFC 0–17 Kenya Harlequin
Mwamba RFC 09–18 Nondescript
Strathmore Leos 08–38 Menengai Oilers
Kisumu RFC 03–82 KCB Rugby
South Coast Pirates 03–45 Kabras Sugar

ESS
KU Blak Blad II 20 – 21 Impala RFC II
Nakuru RFC II 08 – 17 Kenya Harlequin II
Mwamba RFC II 0 – 43 Nondescript II
Strathmore Leos II 0 – 54 Menengai Oilers II
Kisumu RFC II 0 – 28 KCB Rugby II
South Coast Pirates II 07 – 41 Kabras Sugar II

KRU CHAMPIONSHIP
TUM Marines 20 – 06 Zetech Oaks
CUEA Monks 24 – 03 Mean Machine
Homeboyz Rugby 47 – 0 USIU – A Martial
Masinde Muliro 30– 05 UoE Trojans
Daystar Falcons 30– 11 Mombasa SC
Western Bulls 16 – 03 JKUAT Cougars

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