Kenya Cup: Who will blink first in Rai derby today?

As the clock ticks towards the final, all eyes in the Kenyan rugby fraternity are on Kakamega Showground, where Kenya Cup holders Kabras Sugar RFC face off with Menengai Oilers in what has been billed as the “Rai Derby”.

This isn’t just a clash for silverware — it’s a symbolic battle for bragging rights within one of the most powerful families in Kenyan sports sponsorship.

The final carries a unique subplot. With Kabras and Oilers sponsored by West Kenya Sugar and Menengai Oil Refineries respectively — both subsidiaries of the Rai Group — the clash has taken on the aura of a family affair.

="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/sports/rugby/article/2001516200/why-menengai-oilers-is-not-afraid-of-kabras-sugar-ahead-of-rai-derby-final">Many fans have< dubbed it a showdown between brothers: Tejveer Rai (West Kenya Sugar) and Onkar Rai (Menengai Oil), with the bragging rights for the season at stake.

For Kabras Sugar, the mission is clear: a historic fourth consecutive Kenya Cup title. They come into this clash as firm favourites, boasting a flawless record that stretches back to their last defeat in 2022 — a 28-20 loss to KCB.

Since then, the sugar-men have gone on a ruthless run, racking up 40 Kenya Cup and 11 Enterprise Cup matches unbeaten. Their consistency has not only earned them admiration but also placed a target on their backs.

Kabras coach Carlos Katywa, the soft-spoken but highly tactical South African, knows this final will not be a walk in the park. Despite Kabras’ dominance over Oilers — including a 34-28 win in the 2022 final — Carlos is not taking anything for granted.

“We shall come out guns blazing because our target remains to win the cup final,” said Katywa.

="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/sports/rugby/article/2001515048/menengai-oilers-stun-favorites-kcb-to-set-up-rai-derby-kenya-cup-final">“We have to be positive

He acknowledges the strides the Nakuru-based Oilers have made, especially after their spirited comeback win over KCB in the semi-final.

“They’ve been impressive. A team that plays for each other and plays with unity — they thrive on momentum, and that makes them a solid opponent,” he added.

But Katywa believes his tried-and-tested approach will once again deliver success. “We’ll stick to the structure that has worked for us this season. There’s no need to introduce anything new at this stage. We’re confident, but we’re also careful. We know how much Oilers want this.”

The Kabras camp is buoyed by the return of Fijian star Jone Kubu, who missed last season’s final but is now available for selection. Also back from national Sevens duty in Singapore are Kevin Wekesa, Brian Tanga, and Kubu, adding further firepower to an already loaded squad.

Captain George Nyambua, the heartbeat of Kabras Sugar, is preparing for his tenth Kenya Cup final since joining the club in 2014. The seasoned flanker embodies Kabras’ consistency and hunger for silverware. His leadership will be vital as the side aims to cement their dynasty status.

Katywa was quick to thank their sponsors, West Kenya Sugar, whose unwavering support has fuelled the club’s rise to the summit of Kenyan rugby.

On the other side, Menengai Oilers, coached by the determined Gibson Weru, are chasing history.

="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/health/amp/rugby/article/2001515136/its-another-rai-derby-in-kenya-cup-final-and-enterprise-cup">They’ve never< beaten Kabras in a Kenya Cup fixture, but Weru believes this could be the moment they change the narrative.

“We’ve learnt a lot since 2022. We’ve grown as a team and prepared for this day. All we want now is a win,” said Weru.

Both teams have been crucial in nurturing national team talent. Kabras boasts more than ten Kenya Simbas players, while both clubs had multiple representatives in the recent Singapore Sevens. Tejveer disclosed why Rai Group opted to invest in rugby and take it by storm.

“Rai Group realised good rugby talents were out there but they lacked a platform to explore their talents, so we decided to invest heavily in Kabras Sugar as part of CSR,” said Tejveer. 

But for Onkar, a final between Kabras and Oilers is something that he had wished for this season.