KCB Rugby have turned their attention to the high-stakes Kenya Cup playoffs after falling to Ugandan side Black Pirates in a tightly contested Enterprise Cup quarterfinal at Muteesa II Stadium.
The 11-10 defeat marked a frustrating end to KCB’s Enterprise Cup campaign, with the Kenyan bankers undone by missed conversions and a resolute Pirates side that capitalised on key moments.
The match began cautiously, with Pirates initially squandering an early penalty opportunity. However, Mukore Wayne soon settled the hosts, slotting a penalty to give them a 3-0 lead. The momentum shifted further when KCB captain Bob Muhati was sin-binned, allowing Pirates to extend their advantage to 6-0 heading into the break.
KCB responded after halftime through Sheldon Kahi, who crossed for a try to cut the deficit. But a missed conversion from Levy Amunga proved costly in a game decided by fine margins.
Pirates struck back, with Okelo touching down to stretch the lead to 11-5. KCB remained within reach after Michael Wekesa powered over for a try, but another missed conversion denied them the lead.
Speaking after the match, KCB forwards coach Brian Nyikuli acknowledged the narrow margins, noting that the team must now sharpen execution ahead of the playoffs, which will define their season.
Captain Muhati echoed the sentiment, describing the loss as tough but instructive, while expressing confidence in the team’s ability to regroup.
For KCB, the shift in focus reflects a broader strategic recalibration. With domestic league success carrying commercial and reputational weight, the Kenya Cup playoffs now represent a critical opportunity to salvage the season and reinforce the club’s competitive standing.