Kabras Sugar scrum half Brian Tanga (center) floors the ball during Kenya Cup match against Menengai Oilers played on March 1,2025. [Washington Onyango, Standard]
Kenya rugby power house Kabras Sugar will be keen to continue their dominance when they face off against Menengai Oilers in the Enterprise Cup final set for Saturday at the ASK Showground in Nakuru.
This year’s final marks a shift from the traditional RFUEA Grounds, which has hosted the event in previous years.
It will be the first-ever Enterprise Cup final meeting between Kabras RFC and Menengai Oilers. However, it will be their third consecutive encounter in as many weekends.
The two sides recently faced off in the Kenya Cup final, where Kabras edged Oilers 27-26 to retain their crown.
A week later, the Oilers responded with a 15-0 win over Kabras in the Great Rift 10s, claiming their first title in the tournament since 2019.
Now, they will face off in what many consider a tiebreaker to show who is the best.
To Kabras Sugar, they have approached every game like a final for the last four years, which has enabled them to clinch the Kenya Cup trophy for four consecutive seasons.
Kabras coach Carlos Katywa observed that they are not under any pressure. He has no specific area in the team that he intends to give the utmost priority ahead of the finals.
“All systems deserve attention to detail. For the last 4 years, every game for Kabras Sugar Rugby is a final, I strongly believe we are the only ones that can put ourselves under pressure,” said Katywa.
He rallied Kabras Sugar fans to show up in large numbers to cheer the boys in Nakuru. Enterprise Cup remains the oldest rugby tournament in Kenya having started in 1930.
The organisers of the event have put in place necessary arrangements to ensure that the final is held successfully.
As usual, again the looming contest is pitted to be between two brothers Tejveer Rai who is the managing Director of West Kenya Sugar that sponsors Kabras Sugar and his younger brother Onkar Rai, the managing director of Menengai Oilers that sponsors Oilers.
Tejveer had the last laugh in Kenya Cup finals after his team (Kabras Sugar) lifted the Kenya Cup trophy for consecutive seasons.
West Kenya Sugar and Menengai Oils Refineries Limited are under Rai Group whose chairman is Jaswant Rai.
In an interview with Tejveer and Onkar, the pair disclosed that it was not just about the win, but the desire to scout, nature and support rugby talents.
“Kabras Sugar RFC has rose through the ranks to become a rugby powerhouse in Kenya because of good structures the team has put in place. There are many talents in villages which I am glad we are tapping,” said Tejveer.
“We have to ensure the boys are learning even as they play rugby and others we absorb them in our companies so that after rugby, they continue with their employment,” Tejveer maintained.
Onkar on his part said,” Oilers have met the targets they set for this season I am happy for them. I know players are hungry they want to win Enterprise Cup,” said Onkar.
Washington Onyango
| Apr 24, 2025