KRU Championship race for home semi finals, relegation goes down to the wire

The race for home semi-final slots and the battle to avoid relegation in the KRU Championship will go down to the final round of the regular season.

After 10 rounds of matches, Mwamba RFC, South Coast Pirates, and JKUAT Cougars remain locked in a tight contest for the top two positions that guarantee a home semi-final in the play-offs.

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The top two teams at the end of the regular season will host home semi-finals against the playoff winners. Mwamba RFC currently lead the standings with 48 points, closely followed by South Coast Pirates on 46, while JKUAT Cougars sit third with 34 points.

Mwamba and South Coast Pirates strengthened their chances of sealing home semi-final slots after posting crucial wins on Saturday. Mwamba edged hosts Catholic University Monks 20–17 in a tightly contested match played in Karen, while South Coast Pirates secured a narrow 14–12 victory over NYS Spades.

JKUAT Cougars did not play after their fixture against Western Bulls was postponed. Meanwhile, the relegation battle is equally intense, with USIU-A Martials, Zetech Oaks, and Western Bulls fighting to avoid the drop.

Relegation-threatened Zetech Oaks dented the play-off hopes of Kisii Rugby after grinding out a 10–6 victory. USIU-A Martials boosted their survival chances with a convincing 31–5 win over Homeboyz RFC.

Reflecting on the victory, USIU-A Martials coach Tom Lagat praised his players’ resilience. “It was a very physical game, but the boys showed character and discipline to win. Credit to the opposition as well, they pushed us all the way,” said Lagat.

“This was an important win because it builds confidence and momentum. Focus quickly shifts to the game against JKUAT Cougars. It’s another big challenge, and we know we need to raise our level again,” he added.

USIU-A Martials currently sit 10th on the log with 17 points, while Zetech Oaks have 14 points, and Western Bulls remain at the bottom with five.

In the final round of regular-season matches next weekend, USIU-A Martials will host JKUAT Cougars, while Zetech University travel to Kakamega to face fellow strugglers Western Bulls.

A victory for USIU-A Martials will guarantee their survival, while defeat could see the relegation fight swing in favour of Zetech Oaks or Western Bulls.