Strathmore lock Thomas Opiyo in action against KCB during a previous match /HANDOUT

Strathmore Leos head coach Willis Ojal believes defence and fitness will be key when his side faces Blak Blad in their Kenya Cup playoff showdown on April 18. The tactician warned of the threat posed by Black Blade’s speed and strong finishes.

“They are a second-half team. When we played them in the pool phase, we led at halftime, and they came strongly in the second half, so our fitness level and one-on-one defence will have to be top-notch,” observed Ojal.

Leos will be without Gabriel Ayimba, Nygel Amaitsa and Victor Mola, who are away with the Kenya Sevens squad in Hong Kong, while starting prop Raymond Chacha is sidelined with an injury picked up during last weekend’s 10-a-side tournament in Nakuru. Ojal, however, remains confident in the squad’s depth.

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“One of the key things we did during the off-season was to sign players and build our depth for the upcoming season. We have done that, and we are in a good position to go on a good run in the season,” he said.

The coach added that the Nakuru tournament helped sharpen the team ahead of the playoffs. “Yes, we played well there to ensure we are not rusty come playoff time. The boys have got game time under their belt. We have one more week of training to fine-tune our preparations,” noted Ojal.

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He expects a stern test from Blak Blad, citing their physicality and experience. “It’s a derby, so we must be ready for a battle from the first whistle to the last minute. Blak Blad have the experience from previous playoff campaigns, so we will be ready,” he added.

Home advantage could prove decisive for Leos. “We will be playing at home, which will be key. With the support of our fans, it puts us in a good position to get the job done,” said Ojal.

The winner of the clash will face Kabras Sugar RFC in the semi-finals on April 25 in Kakamega. In the other playoff fixture, Menengai Oilers take on Nondescripts RFC, with the winner set to face KCB RFC in the last four.