Pirates’ nightmare journey ends in heavy loss to Kisumu RFC

A gruelling 30-hour journey from Diani to Kisumu ended disastrously for South Coast Pirates, who suffered a crushing 38-9 defeat to Kisumu RFC in a Kenya Cup clash held on Saturday afternoon at the Jomo Kenyatta Mamboleo Stadium in Kisumu County.

The Pirates’ hopes of a comeback were dashed after their team bus broke down three times, at Kikuyu, Naivasha, and Kericho, forcing lengthy delays.

Despite beginning their trip early on Thursday morning, the team, visibly fatigued, arrived in Kisumu at 10 PM on Friday.

Head coach Kevin Amiani voiced his frustration, attributing the poor performance to the exhausting travel experience.

“The long journey took a toll on the players. They were visibly drained, affecting their energy and execution on the pitch. It’s unfortunate because we came here to compete, but the travel challenges set us back,” Amiani said in a post-match interview with Citizen Digital.

Although Kelly Akengo scored three penalties, the Pirates struggled to match Kisumu’s intensity. The hosts capitalized on their opponents’ fatigue to clinch their first Kenya Cup win of the season, delighting the home crowd.

This defeat marked the Pirates’ fourth season loss, leaving them in a precarious position ahead of next weekend’s home game against Strathmore Leos at the Seacrest Grounds in Diani. Coach Amiani stressed the importance of moving forward.

“We need to put this behind us and focus on what’s ahead. Playing at home gives us a chance to turn things around,” he said.

For Kisumu RFC, the victory was a morale booster as they aim to climb the Kenya Cup standings.

Other Kenya Cup Results

• Kenya Harlequins 48–12 Impala RFC
• KU Blak Blad 3–23 Nondescripts
• Nakuru RFC 15–34 Menengai Oilers
• Mwamba RFC 22–80 KCB Rugby
• Strathmore Leos 5–45 Kabras Sugar
• Kisumu RFC 38–9 South Coast Pirates

ESS Results

• Kenya Harlequin II 31–8 Impala RFC II
• KU Blak Blad II 19–20 Nondescripts II
• Nakuru RFC II 16–38 Menengai Oilers II
• Mwamba RFC II 0–88 KCB Rugby II
• Strathmore Leos II 6–76 Kabras Sugar II
• Kisumu RFC II 28–0 South Coast Pirates II