KCB head coach Oliver Mang’eni is aware his charges will need to dig deep to out-muscle defending champions Kabras in their high-stakes Kenya Cup showdown on Saturday at the ASK Grounds in Kakamega.
The top-of-the-table clash pits the league’s two unbeaten sides against each other in a battle for supremacy with just one round of regular-season action left.
KCB sits atop the Kenya Cup standings with 50 points from 10 matches while Kabras trail closely with 48. Menengai Oilers round out the top three with 42 points.
For KCB, the mission is clear—secure victory and lock in a home final, a feat they last achieved in 2006. However, Mang’eni is under no illusions about the task ahead, acknowledging the threat posed by a Kabras, who thrive on home turf.
“The boys will be tested mentally and physically. They have to be prepared to work hard on Saturday to secure a win,” the tactician said.
The KCB tactician insists the pressure is on Kabras, who will be desperate to defend their fortress and preserve their unbeaten streak.
“The pressure is on them because they are playing at home and they would not want to lose on home turf and end their unbeaten streak,” he added.
Their game plan heading into the match is to unsettle Kabras earlier on. “We have to get Kabras out of their comfort zone because they are used to playing in their home turf,” the tactician said.
To sharpen their edge ahead of the heavyweight clash, KCB have enlisted the South Africa’s expertise of Stormers RFC forwards coach Rito Hlungwani.
His arrival is expected to bolster their set-piece efficiency, breakdown dominance and forward play—key areas in their bid to overpower Kabras. Mang’eni welcomed Hlungwani’s input, hailing it as a significant boost to their preparations.
“Having a coach of his calibre working with our forwards is a big boost. Kabras is a strong side, and we need to be at our best,” Mang’eni noted.
Hlungwani, impressed by KCB’s depth and discipline, emphasised his role in refining their tactical approach.
“This
is a talented squad with great potential.
We’ve been working on fine-tuning key
aspects to ensure they’re ready for the
challenge ahead,” he said.
