Nondies' prop Boniface Amimo charges at a Nakuru RFC player during a recent Kenya Cup match/HANDOUT 

Nondies coach Moses Wanyaga wants his side to sharpen their kicking game and set pieces ahead of their Kenya Cup semifinal after a stunning playoff win over Menengai Oilers on Saturday.

In one of the biggest upsets of the season, Nondies beat pre-match favourites Oilers 35-17 in Nakuru to book a last-four clash against former champions KCB and end the hosts’ 15s campaign.

A delighted Wanyaga immediately turned his focus to the semifinal after what he described as the biggest win of his two-year tenure. “Credit to the boys, we were spot on from first minute to last. We started well, we kept going, played to our strengths and qualified for the final four,” said Wanyaga.

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He said control of possession and dominance in contact areas proved decisive. “We also looked stronger in collisions, leading to faster ball and catching Oilers offside several times,” he added.

Wanyaga also singled out fly-half Kelvin Sheunda for praise, citing his game management and tactical kicking. “He came up clutch in the key moments in the match. Arguably, it was his best game of the season,” noted Wanyaga.

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It is the third straight season Nondies have reached the semifinals, underlining the club’s steady rise after playing in the Championship three seasons ago. “It’s a testament to the club, management and the players who have worked hard all season to give us another opportunity to play in the semifinals. We are looking forward to a competitive clash against KCB next weekend,” he said.

Nondies were dominant from the start and raced to a commanding 32-0 lead at halftime before Oilers responded after the break. In the other playoff, fifth seeds Blak Blad edged Strathmore Leos 27-25 to secure a semifinal date against defending champions Kabras in Kakamega.

Blak Blad’s tries came through Archadius Kwesa, Obat Kuke and Benjamin Rugar. Daniel Oyoo added two conversions and three penalties. Strathmore replied through tries from Collins Maina and Elton Amalemba, while Arnold Muita kicked five penalties.

Strathmore had led 15-13 at the break before Blak Blad rallied in the second half. The Kenya Cup semifinals will be played on April 25, with the final scheduled for May 2 in Kakamega.