JKUAT Cougars host Homeboyz in their 'biggest game of the season'

JKUAT Cougars players after a recent match/HANDOUT

The Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) Cougars are ready for their biggest game of the KRU Championship season when they host former Kenya Cup side Homeboyz in the KRU Championship semi-finals on Saturday.

A win will see the Cougars make their maiden appearance in the Kenya Cup.

Coach Smith Muhoya said: “I expect energy and focus from my team, as we all know what winning this game means for us. What we have given in terms of effort, time, and sweat to be here and create this chance for Kenya Cup promotion.”

“We have been able to work on the small things that have been an issue in the second half of the season while polishing our strengths. The most important thing is having a clear mindset and plan for Saturday and ensuring the entire squad is on the same page,” added the tactician.

JKUAT Cougars feel they have a psychological edge after winning 20-18 in a tightly contested regular season match.

However, Muhoya says they didn’t have a good game even though the result shows otherwise.

“It was the third game of the season, and most of our attack and defence systems were new. It has been many weeks since and we all better understand our playing systems. It is now just about execution,” he explained.

He says the entire squad has performed well in the entire season and has backed them to complete the job against Homeboyz.

“I believe everyone in the entire squad has stood out, with effort and sacrifice — even those on the second team. We have had a good season since everyone in the wider squad is working hard,” remarked Muhoya.

He has a fully fit squad to pick from.

“We do not have any injury worries. We have had a good rest period since the Mwamba Cup semis three weeks ago, and everyone is fit and ready to go," he observed.

In the other semi-final, Mwamba Rugby will host the Catholic University of East Africa (CUEA) Monks at the Goan Institute.

The semi-final winners will be promoted to the 2026/27 Kenya Cup season, which starts in November.