Quins face Nondies in mouth-watering Ngong’ Road derby as Kenya Cup resumes

Lucky Dewald of Quins escapes the attention of KCB's Samuel Asati during a past match/HANDOUT

Quins Rugby Club host Nondies in a highly anticipated Ngong’ Road derby as the Kenya Cup resumes this weekend following the Christmas and New Year break.

The two Nairobi rivals are separated by just one point on the standings, with Quins sitting sixth on nine points and Nondies seventh on eight, setting the stage for a closely contested encounter.

Quins have posted a mixed start to the season, recording two wins and one loss.

They opened their campaign with a 23–18 victory over Nakuru, followed by a 29–13 win against Masinde Muliro University, before suffering a 40–26 defeat to Blak Blad.

Nondies, meanwhile, began their season strongly with a 36–12 win over Kisumu, but have since endured narrow defeats, losing 32–30 to Strathmore Leos and by the same scoreline to Nakuru.

The hosts will be keen to end a recent losing streak against their neighbours, having fallen to Nondies in the playoffs in each of the last two seasons, losing 38–22 and 26–20 respectively.

Quins' head coach Patrice Agunda says his side is motivated to turn the tables.

“We have been on the receiving end of Nondies in the last two seasons, and the boys are determined to end that losing streak and get a win under our belt,” said Agunda.

The former Kenya Simbas and Shujaa international believes the battle up front and game management will be decisive.

“It boils down to who will execute better and play in the right areas in terms of possession and territory, as well as winning the gain-line battle,” he added.

“If you look at the margins of victory, they have been small, so we must minimise mistakes, especially in the final quarter where the game could be won or lost.”

Agunda will rely heavily on skipper Jeff Kiragu alongside Edward Shitanda and Vincent Omondi in the forward pack. The coach has also handed debuts to mid-season signings Alvin Mutachi and Brighton Omondio.

In the backline, Patrick Wainaina, Faran Juma, and Albert Alela are expected to play key roles. Nondies head coach Moses Wanyaga says his side is eager to bounce back from their narrow losses and finish matches more strongly.

“We were unfortunate to lose those two games. We have gone back to the drawing board and hope to improve our execution,” said Wanyaga.

Nondies will look to Steve Odhiambo, Ryan Odua, Hillary Baraza, and Frank Mutuku to lead the forward effort, while Tony Fidens, Charles Odhiambo, and Ronnie Omondi anchor the backline.

In other Kenya Cup fixtures this weekend, table toppers Kabras Sugar travel to face Kisumu, while KCB make the trip to Rift Valley to take on Nakuru.

Strathmore Leos will entertain Menengai Oilers, Blak Blad face Masinde Muliro University, and winless Impala Saracens host Daystar Falcons.