Kabras' Barry Young beats the Nondies defence as Brian Tanga provides support during a Kenya Cup semifinal last year/HANDOUT
Champions Kabras Sugar host Quins as the Enterprise Cup moves into the quarterfinal stage today at various venues across the country.
It will be the second meeting between the two sides in as many weeks. Last weekend, the sugarmillers beat the Ngong Road outfit 48–13 in a Kenya Cup clash at the Kakamega Showground.
Kabras start as strong favourites, having gone unbeaten in 45 matches since losing 29–22 to rivals KCB in February 2022.
Coach Carlos Katywa is expected to rotate his squad as he looks to keep players fit and fresh for the business end of the season.
The South African tactician said he expects a competitive contest despite last week’s heavy win.
“It will be a tough contest. We played them last week, and we know they will be hurting from the loss, so we must guard against complacency against Quins,” said Katywa.
He added that the team still has areas to improve as the season reaches its halfway point.
“So far, the season has been exceptional. We have had very good performances, but the boys can go a notch higher and play even better rugby,” he said.
Key players for the sugarmillers in the pack include Edward Mwaura, Teddy Akala, Collins Indeche and Jeanson Misoga. In the backline, Eric Cantona,
Barry Young, Mathhias Osimbo and Roy Maruti are expected to lead the charge.
Quins will rely on Michael Onsando and Mohammed Khaider, alongside skipper Jeff Kiragu, in the forwards. Patrick Wainaina, Alvin Mutachi and Matthew Ouma will be key figures in the backline.
In other quarterfinal fixtures, Strathmore Leos make the short trip across the capital to face a wounded Nondescripts side at the Racecourse Grounds.
Both teams lost last weekend in the Kenya Cup, with Strathmore falling 23–20 to Impala and Nondies going down 36–14 to KCB.
Menengai Oilers renew their rivalry with neighbours Nakuru in a derby clash at the Refinery, while KCB host Blak Blad.
This season’s Enterprise Cup is being played under a new format. The four Kenyan teams emerging from the local quarterfinals will face four Ugandan sides in cross-border quarterfinals.
Winners from those ties will progress to the semi-finals set for March 21 and April 11, before the final on May 23.