Chrispine Shitundo of Oilers  breaks a blak Blad tackle during a recent league match/ HANDOUT

The race for the Kenya Cup playoffs and survival returns on Saturday after a two-week break occasioned by the Enterprise Cup and HSBC Sevens Series.

Last season's finalists, Menengai Oilers,  make the short trip to the capital to take on Nondies at the Racecourse grounds in the highlight of the weekend.

Oilers sit second on the log with 34 points, while Nondies, who have a game in hand, are sixth with 14 points

Read Also
Red hot Omanyala to orchestrate Kenya's 4x100m charge at World Relays today Athletics
Cup pressure peaks as Shabana host Kenya Police in blockbuster quarter-final Football
Upper Hill coach Walgwe unperturbed despite drawing giants in Prescott Cup group phase Rugby

The Nakuru-based side hopes to have momentum ahead of two blockbuster fixtures against champions Kabras and KCB in the next fortnight.

Coach Gibson Weru expects a competitive contest against Nondies.

Enjoying this article? Subscribe for unlimited access to premium sports coverage.
View Plans

"It will be tough. Nondies have improved in the last couple of seasons and have a similar playing style to us, which is dominance in the forwards. They will be formidable playing at home,” said Weru.

"We have had a week's break after gruelling January. The boys are refreshed and eager to go not only for this fixture, but also for the title run-in."

Weru will rely on a robust set of forwards, where the clash will be won. At his disposal are Desterious Ifedha, skipper Ibrahim Ayoo, Jadah Abdon, Amos Obae and Samuel Were.

Samuel Mwaura, Phillip Okeyo and Samuel Ovwamu will be the key actors among the backs.

Nondies will hope to kick-start their campaign after an inconsistent start to the season, which has seen them win two games out of six.

Coach Moses Wanyaga said the recent 27-17 win over Strathmore Leos has given them a lifeline.

“We hope now to translate that win in the Cup to wins in the league, starting against the Oilers,  which we know won't be a walk in the park," he said.

Wanyaga will bank on Elisha Koronya, Boniface Amimo, Adrian Mundia and Charles Odhiambo upfront, with Tony Fidens, Maxwell Omondi and Ian Mumbwani the pick of the backs.

In other fixtures, Blak Blad face a daunting task against Kabras at the Kenyatta University grounds.

KCB have a date with Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, while Quins host Daystar Falcons at the RFUEA ground.

Nakuru entertain Impala as  Strathmore Leos welcome Kisumu RFC to Madaraka.