Inside Kabras RFC squad to face KCB in Kenya Cup final
By Joel Masibo, May 9, 2026Defending Kenya Cup champions Kabras RFC have unveiled their matchday squad ahead of the 2025/26 Kenya Cup final showdown against KCB Rugby Club set for the Kakamega Showground on Saturday, May 9, 2026.
Squad outlook
Head coach Carlos Katywa has made adjustments to his side, with Walter Okoth earning the fly-half role after Barry Robinson was ruled out through injury while Jone Kubu remains suspended. Roy Maruti has been trusted to start at scrum-half.
There have also been changes in the backline as leading scorer Eric Cantona shifts to the wing, while Jackson Siketa takes up duties at fullback.
The midfield partnership of Bryson Adaka and Derrick Ashihundu has been maintained, signaling confidence in the duo heading into the high-stakes encounter. In the forwards, Emmanuel Otieno comes into the front row alongside Eugene Sifuna and Asuman Mugerwa in one of the few alterations to the pack.
Locks Hillary Odhiambo and Shem Joseph continue in the second row, with George Nyambua, prolific try scorer Patrick Lumumba, and Jeanson Misoga completing the loose forward combination.
Kabras have also boosted their bench with the return of experienced players Kevin Wekesa, Brian Tanga, and Ntabeni Dukisa, who currently serves as a backs coach, as the sugar millers seek extra impact later in the contest.
Starting lineup
The starting lineup features Emmanuel Otieno, Eugene Sifuna, Asuman Mugerwa, Hillary Odhiambo, Shem Joseph, George Nyambua, Patrick Lumumba, Jeanson Misoga, Roy Maruti, Walter Okoth, Eric Cantona, Bryceson Adaka, Derrick Ashihundu, Mathias Osimbo, and Jackson Siketa.
Among the replacements are T. Akala, E. Mwaura, E. Oduor, Kevin Wekesa, C. Indeche, Brian Tanga, A. Orege, and Ntabeni Dukisa.
KCB eye redemption
Meanwhile, KCB Rugby Club will be seeking to overturn memories of their heavy defeat in the 2024 final against the same opponent. Under the guidance of head coach Andrew Amonde, the team travelled to Kakamega earlier in the week to continue preparations and sharpen tactics ahead of the much-anticipated clash.
KCB head into the final after an impressive campaign in which they remained unbeaten throughout the regular season, only finishing behind Kabras Sugar on points difference. Their performances this term have underlined the growth and consistency within the squad as they pursue a ninth Kenya Cup crown.
Previous meeting
One of the clearest signs of their improvement came during their league encounter against Kabras on Saturday, March 7, 2026, when the two sides battled to a tense 10-10 draw before heavy rainfall forced the match to be abandoned. The Bankers will also draw motivation from their desire to reclaim the title for the first time since 2021 after falling 29-5 to Kabras in the previous final.