Underdogs Blak Blad and Nondies set to rattle giants in Kenya Cup semis

The race for the 2025/26 Kenya Cup title has taken a dramatic twist after confirmation of the semi-final lineup following a tense round of playoff action.

Defending champions Kabras Sugar RFC will face KU Blak Blad at the ASK Showground in Kakamega, while KCB Rugby Club host Nondescripts RFC at the KCB Sports Club in Ruaraka, in what promises to be a high-stakes weekend of rugby.

Blak Blad made history by reaching their first-ever semi-final after edging Strathmore Leos 27–25 in a tightly contested encounter, while Nondescripts stunned last season’s finalists with a commanding 35–17 win to underline their title ambitions.

In the promotion playoffs, Mwamba RFC, 1983 Kenya Cup champions, sealed an immediate return to the Kenya Cup after beating Catholic Monks 41–26, while JKUAT Cougars also booked their top-flight spot with a dominant 40–9 win over Homeboyz RFC.

The Nationwide League playoffs also delivered mixed results across regions, with AP Warriors edging Makueni Rugby 15–6, while Kisii National Polytechnic, Sigalagala Polytechnic, Chuka University and Tharaka University all progressing in their respective regional fixtures.

The tie between Stallions Rugby and KCA University was abandoned.

With established giants and emerging challengers colliding, the Kenya Cup semi-finals set the stage for a fierce battle and a possible shift in the rugby hierarchy.