Kenya Cup Match Day Two: Preview: KCB v/s Strathmore

So, the countdown to KCB's Kenya Cup opener away to Strathmore University has began. Voting patterns on KCB Rugby Football Club currently indicate 100% faith in the Lions winning this one.

League debutants Strathmore host defending champions KCB at the Nairobi School on Saturday April 19 from 4.30pm. The newcomers gave Kenya Harlequin a run for their money before running out of steam in the last quarter, losing out 10-27 at the RFUEA on match day one ( Apr 12, 2008).

Coach Mitch Ocholla's boys will definitely look at the positives from this match as they seek to claim KCB's scalp. However, KCB coach Bill Githinji has a smart rugby brain and has the knowledge of what it takes to win match after match.He will most probably utilize their key strength, which is in the forwards, led by lock and captain Paul Murunga and featuring the likes of front rowers Salamantokyo Shikwe and Frankline "Stooge" Amiani who boast plenty of experience and have the personality to drive the rest of the team towards victory.

The forwards have been key to KCB's domination of the Kenya Cup in recent years and should be the platform for victory over Strathmore on Saturday. Depending on selection, the likes of Ronnie Mwenesi, Meth Odongo, Anthony Ogot, Ndale Moses,John Ahenda,Xavier Makuba and Anthony Ochino should make life difficult for the Strathmore lads.

Peter Mutai at scrum half is an inventive, slippery player and the quality of ball he delivers to either Jotham Yahuma or Haroun Lubisia should determine how the KCB backs will use it. Curtis Olago at centre will probably be used as a battering ram, punching holes into the Strathmore defence.

Out wide, the pace and attacking quality of Richard Kinyany is another major consideration, while Andrew Amonde is undeniably a good runner with ball in hand.

The Lions are clear favourites to win this one; and here are KCB Rugby Football Club's predictions;

KCB 36 Strathmore 12

What are your predictions?