NAIROBI, Kenya, February 19 – University of Nairobi’s Mean Machine hope to bounce back from their first round Kenya Cup loss when defending champions Impala come calling on Saturday.This clash is usually one of the most anticipated of the season with tons of running rugby and last gasp drama on the plate.
The red shirts will arrive on main campus on the crest of a wave after an emphatic 32-3 win over Strathmore University last weekend and are favourites to notch up a second consecutive win though Machine on their home are no push overs.
Mwamba will be seeking to redemption when they face Kenya Harlequins at the Rugby Football Union of East Africa (RFUEA) grounds.
The black shirts will be hoping their quartet of Collins Injera, Humphrey Kayange, Lavin Asego and Horace Otieno have recovered from their exploits in Australasia and North America going by their recent form.
Tito Oduk hopes the return to his old stomping ground will be a memorable one but his opposite number Patrice Agunda will be keen to pick up where he left off against Nondiescripts.
Nondies hope home comforts will bring with then good tidings and the return of captain Jay Williams when they host KCB at Jamhuri Park.
Indiscipline cost the white shirts last week allowing Quins to come from 10-0 and lose 31-10.
The experience of Mike Aung and Allan Hicks will be crucial if Nondies are to avoid a second consecutive defeat.
The Lions posted the highest score of round one with a 54-16 blowout of Machine and the likes of the rejuvenated Dennis Mwanja, Calvins Biko and Franklin Amiani provide more than enough firepower for a repeat performance.
Strathmore have a daunting trip to Nakuru where a rampant side lies in wait.
Apart from Gibson Weru, the university lads have the rampaging Ferdinand Ngaira to worry about from the base of the scrum.
