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Kabras is yet to beat KCB in a Kenya Cup final despite facing each other on four occasions.
And finally, after 105 days of grueling action, the 2022-2023 Kenya Cup season has reached its crescendo with sparks expected to fly when reigning champions Kabras Sugar RFC take on a wounded lion in the shape of KCB RFC who have a point to prove.
After finishing the regular season as the top seed, Kabras earned the privilege of hosting the final that will be staged at the Kakamega Showground with the Sugar Millers opting against Nandi Bears where the 2021 capitulation was witnessed.
Carlos Katywa's side strolled to the summit of the regular season standings after winning all their matches, including against KCB RFC which was staged at the Bankers' own yard.
The two-time Kenya Cup Champions arrive into the final with the meanest defense having shipped in only 77 points all season but they take on a menacing beast with KCB having the most potent attack in the division, scoring 485 points.
KCB on the other hand will be looking to reclaim the Cup after Menengai Oilers disrupted their hegemony by beating them in the semi-finals back in 2022 but went ahead to lose the final against Kabras.
Having been christened a first-half side it is a no-brainer why Katywa has opted to start with his talismans Jone Kubu and George Nyambua on the bench as he hopes they will add the much-needed impetus in the closing stanza.
An interesting stat to note is that Kabras is yet to beat KCB in a final despite locking horns in four previous editions with the Bankers walking away winners in 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2021.
The two sides have been forces to reckon with in the Kenya Cup with their dominance stretching back to 2014 as no single final has been played without either of the sides in contention.
The Curtis Olago-coached side have however been dominant in their previous 15 encounters, winning 11 while Kabras have won three and one draw being registered.
Kabras lock George Nyambua was bullish ahead of the final as he made no secret of their intention of defending the Kenya Cup for the first time ever since their inception in 2013.
"We have been preparing well for the entire season, we have been working on our mistakes and rectifying our set pieces, especially line outs and scrum, we are ready to face KCB and I know we will win the cup," said Nyambua.
KCB prop Oscar Simiyu is looking to right the wrongs of their defeat to Kabras in the regular season as he was also confident of winning the title for the ninth time that will take them past Kenya Harlequins who they are currently locked on eight crowns.
“We are aiming for nothing but the win. There’s nothing new under the sun and we have played them before. The defeat (to Kabras this season) was a wake-up call to us. We worked on our shortcomings from there,” said Simiyu.
Squads for the final
Kabras Sugar: 15. Ntabeni Dukisa, 14. Mathias Osimbo, 13. Bryceson Adaka, 12. Walter Okoth, 11. Alfred Orege, 10. Brian Tanga, 9. Dan Ang’wech, 1. Ephraim Oduor, 2. Eugene Sifuna, 3. Hilary Mwanjilwa, 4. Elphas Emong, 5. Brian Juma, 6. Kevin Wekesa, 7. Daniel Sikuta, 8. Jeanson Musoga
REPLACEMENTS 16. Teddy Akala, 17. Emmanuel Otieno, 18. Asuman Mugerwa, 19. Hillary Odhiambo, 20. George Nyambua, 21. Barry Robinson, 22. Jone Kubu, 23. Lameck Ambetsa
KCB 15. Isaac Njoroge, 14. Darwin Mukidza, 13. Peter Kilonzo, 12. Maxwell Kang’eri, 11. Jacob Ojee, 10. Shabani Ahmed, 9. Samuel Asati, 1. Oscar Simiyu, 2. Wilfred Waswa, 3. Curtis Lilako (Capt), 4. Elvis Olukusi, 5. Davis Chenge, 6. Andrew Amonde, 7. Felix Ojoo, 8. Peter Waitere
REPLACEMENTS 16. Griffin Musila, 17. Thomas Jimbo Okidia, 18. Nelson Nyandat, 19. Brian Munyali, 20. Steve Wamai, 21. Michael Wanjala, 22. Johnstone Olindi, 23. Michael Wanjala
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