Katywa wary of ’a different animal’ in Oilers ahead of Kenya Cup showdown

Katywa admits Oilers have been on a roll this season, and warns they possess tools that can hurt Kabras after stunning final regulars KCB in the semis to book their second ever Kenya Cup final appearance against the champions.

"We looked at the opponent's strengths and weaknesses, and I think we were able to find which ways and areas that we can penetrate and find opportunities to score tries and to get points.

"But I think it also goes without saying that they've done very well this season. This is their second Kenya Cup, especially against us. We would like to see a good brand of rugby being displayed on the field,” said the seasoned coach.

Kabras rallied from behind to win 20-14 when the two sides met in the regular season, and Katywa has warned their opponents will be fuelled by the earlier results to try to cause an upset.

“I think we are well-equipped and well-prepared. It shouldn't be an excuse. Rain or not, we are very well equipped. If the rain comes, it will not give a full spectacle of what these boys can display.

“It will be a matter of now tactics coming into play, who plays in the right areas at what time, and also it will come down to a kicking game,” added Katywa.

However, Kabras captain George Nyambua and his assistant Eugene Sifuna warned they will not let their unbeaten streak end, adding that their eyes are firmly set on a four-peat feat.

“This is a different Oilers, it's not the Oilers that we've been playing in previous years. They are good, they have been playing well, and we are really preparing also for them. Getting to the final, it means that they are at par but again this is Kabras Sugar and we are ready for the showdown,” said Nyambua.

Meanwhile, Kakamega High School rugby head coach Amos Wamanga believes Oilers have the tools to end Kabras RFC unbeaten run and their Kenya Cup dominance.

The seasoned school coach has warned that there will be no underdogs in Saturday's final.

“Kabras have been in great form for the whole season and that is why they are unbeaten in all competitions but the team that has come close to ending their unbeaten run is Oilers. With both teams having a fully fit squad we are in for a showdown this weekend,” said Wamanga.

“These two teams have the best defence in the competition. They are tactically gifted and have proper depth in their squad with a good technical bench. What will decide this match will be who stays in the other half more and the one who will take the minimal chances that will be created to convert them.”

Kabras, who are eyeing a Kenya Cup four-peat, prevailed in 2022 when two teams last met in the final.