Kenyan rugby team KCB is set to face Kobs of Uganda in a highly anticipated pre-season showdown at the Lions Den in Ruaraka on Saturday. The match comes as both teams prepare for the upcoming Impala Floodlit tournament and the Kenya Cup. KCB and Kobs were among the teams that featured in the 2026 Enterprise Cup, where they exited at the quarter-final stage.
KCB and Kobs had contrasting performances in their recent matches. Kobs fell 29-13 to Nondescripts in Nakuru, while KCB lost 11-10 to Uganda's Black Pirates in Kampala. Despite the losses, KCB coach Andrew Amonde is optimistic about his team's chances. He believes the match will provide valuable insights into the team's progress after an eight-week pre-season.
Amonde highlighted the challenges of transitioning from sevens to 15s rugby, particularly for KCB's backs who featured in the National Sevens Series. He expressed interest in seeing how his players adjust to the 15s format. The coach also emphasized the importance of solidifying combinations in certain positions, especially in the forwards. He stressed that KCB's second rows and props need to excel in core roles such as winning scrum and lineout battles.
Amonde has described Kobs as a quality side and warned that KCB will not underestimate them. He emphasized the need for his team to front up for the match and gain momentum heading into the Impala Floodlights, a title they aim to reclaim. A good performance against Kobs could provide the necessary boost for KCB as they prepare for their Kenya Cup opener against Kabras.
KCB has struggled in recent Kenya Cup finals, losing three of the past four, including their most recent final against Kabras in May. Amonde noted that poor kicking was a significant factor in their loss. However, he expressed confidence that the team has worked on their kicking for points during pre-season. The team's performance in the upcoming matches will indicate their preparedness for the Kenya Cup.
Elsewhere, Kenya Sevens star and Kabras forward Kevin Wekesa is set to deliver a keynote address on the role of sport in driving climate action at BXLClimateWeek in Brussels, Belgium, on October 14. Wekesa expressed his honor at being invited to the event, where he will share insights on how sport can help turn climate action from words into action, starting at the grassroots level.
Wekesa's participation in BXLClimateWeek is a significant milestone, as he will be sharing his expertise on the intersection of sports and climate action. His address is expected to highlight the potential for sports to drive positive change and promote environmental sustainability. Meanwhile, KCB's match against Kobs will provide a crucial test for the team as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Key points
- KCB to face Kobs in a high-profile pre-season rugby showdown at Ruaraka's Lions Den on Saturday.
- KCB coach Andrew Amonde emphasizes the importance of solidifying combinations in certain positions, especially in the forwards.
- Kevin Wekesa to deliver a keynote address on the role of sport in driving climate action at BXLClimateWeek in Brussels, Belgium.
