Kenya Cup 25/26 season kicks-off with exciting matchups

The Floodlights Tournament, which usually serves as a curtain-raiser for the Kenya Cup season, has already offered a glimpse of what to expect.

Some surprise results emerged, and teams’ new signings are starting to settle in, giving fans an early feel of how the season might unfold.

Strathmore Leos head coach Willis Ojal says his side enters the new season with renewed hunger and a clear sense of direction after tight finishes in recent campaigns.

Leos kick off the new season with an away fixture against KU Blak Bad at Kenyatta University.

“Our first goal is to get back into the playoffs. We’ve missed out in recent seasons, and that has to change this year,” said Ojal.

Leos have also been active in the transfer window, adding fresh talent to sharpen both their backline and forward pack with Amon Wamalwa being the notable face.

“We’ve boosted the team with quality signings. Amon Wamalwa brings great experience at fly-half, Nashon Mwageni gives us pace on the wing, and we’ve added two solid forwards to improve our depth,” Ojal noted.

With the season stretching over several months, he highlighted the discipline and consistency required to compete at the highest level.

“The league phase is always a marathon. It tests your consistency and character, but we are prepared for that battle.”

“This derby means a lot. Blad finished above us last season and beat us 39–31."

"We haven’t forgotten that, and we’re keen to respond."

“Being recognized as the top university side is something every player here cares about. We want to take the bragging rights."

In other matches, the two debutants entering this season’s Kenya Cup face challenging assignments right from the opening weekend.

Daystar Falcons begin their top-flight journey on the road, heading to Nakuru to face last season’s Kenya Cup and Enterprise Cup runners-up Menengai Oilers at the Nakuru ASK Showground.

MMUST, returning to the premier division after a season in the Championship, have an equally daunting task.

They travel across Kakamega to meet defending four-peat champions Kabras Sugar RFC, a side hungry for a fifth straight Kenya Cup title.

Former champions KCB, who last lifted the Kenya Cup in 2021, will look to convert their 7s dominance into success in the longer format when they face Impala at the Ruaraka Sports Ground.

A new-look Kenya Harlequins will host Nakuru RFC at the RFUEA Grounds, while Nondescripts open their campaign against Kisumu RFC at the Ngong Racecourse.