Kabarak University eye KRU Championship return as KRU Nationwide enters pre-quarter final stage

As the race for qualification into the KRU Championship intensifies, Kabarak University head coach Leo Langat remains confident that his side has what it takes to make a swift return to the second tier after their relegation in the 2023/24 season.

The Nakuru-based university side will be away to Stallions Rugby this Saturday in the Nationwide pre-quarter final clash at the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), with a place in the next stage at stake.

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Langat acknowledged the challenge ahead but expressed belief in his squad’s readiness. “It will be a tricky game, but I believe the boys are ready for the encounter,” said Langat. He added that promotion remains the club’s clear objective.

“Returning to the KRU Championship is our target, but we must win the pre-quarter final this weekend first. We have had adequate preparations, and all is set for the game.” Across the Nationwide playoff stage, several high-stakes fixtures are lined up as teams battle for promotion and survival in the Kenyan rugby pyramid.

Administration Police (AP) Warriors will host Chuka University at JKUAT in an early kickoff at 1 pm, while Kisii National Polytechnic face Meru University at Sameta Grounds in Kisii in another crucial encounter.

At the same time, Kenya Prisons will welcome Maseno University at the Prisons Staff College in Ruiru, a fixture expected to draw significant attention given both sides’ competitive pedigree.

In Eldoret, Eldoret National Polytechnic will host Kenya College of Accountancy (KCA) University, while Embu RFC take on Makueni RFC at Nembure Grounds in another evenly poised contest.

Sigalagala National Polytechnic will play host to former KRU Championship side Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) Marines, while Kilifi Titans are set to face Egerton University Wasps at Kilifi Plantation.

TUM Marines, who were relegated from the KRU Championship in March last year after just one season, will be eager to begin their own return journey, alongside the University of Eldoret Trojans, who also dropped down from the second tier.

The stakes remain high, with the finalists set to earn promotion to the KRU Championship, replacing United States International University-Africa (USIU-A) Martials and Western Bulls, both of whom were relegated to the third tier. USIU-A Martials have already signalled their intent for a quick return, with head coach Tom Lagat expressing confidence in an immediate comeback.

“We have started our journey back to the KRU Championship. Preparations are already underway. We anticipate staying in the third-tier league for just one season,” said Lagat. With promotion on the line and several established sides fighting to reclaim their status, the Nationwide pre-quarter finals promise a highly competitive and decisive weekend across the country.