Africa-Press – Kenya. Mean Machine head coach Elly Mukaisi has downplayed his side’s narrow 18–15 defeat to Kisii Rugby, insisting promotion play-off hopes in the KRU Championship remain firmly alive.
Mean Machine went down at Cardinal Otunga High School in Mosocho on Saturday but Mukaisi described the loss as only a minor setback in their quest to return to the Kenya Cup.
“I have a strong belief that we will still make the play-offs because we have four games to go,” Mukaisi said. “We must pick ourselves up and focus on the next game. We also have a two-week break, which gives us time to prepare properly.”
Reflecting on the match, Mukaisi felt his side failed to make the most of their dominance despite spending long spells in Kisii territory.
“It was a game we made difficult for ourselves,” he said. “We played in their half for long periods but did not capitalise on our chances. Kisii came in strong and frustrated us with good pressure.”
Mukaisi also pointed to game management as an area that needs improvement.
“We failed to show maturity and calmness at key moments. That comes with consistency and training,” he added, while also noting that the match enjoyed fair officiating.
Kisii Rugby assistant coach Kevin Magara praised his side’s resilience and defensive effort, saying the victory kept their own promotion ambitions alive.
“The boys showed character and defended resolutely,” Magara said. “Our target of a promotion play-off slot is still on course. We now turn our focus to Diani, where we face South Coast Pirates on Saturday.”
Elsewhere in the KRU Championship, former Kenya Cup side Mwamba RFC maintained their lead at the top of the table after edging Homeboyz Rugby 28–16 at the Goan Institute in Nairobi.
JKUAT Cougars continued their impressive run, staying unbeaten after grinding out a 26–21 win over South Coast Pirates at Seacrest School in Diani. The result handed the Pirates their first home loss of the season and kept JKUAT second in the standings.
Catholic University of Eastern Africa’s Catholic Monks bounced back to winning ways with a convincing 38–24 victory over Zetech University Oaks.
At the bottom end of the table, Western Bulls and Mombasa RFC played out a 16–16 draw at the Bull Ring in Kakamega, while USIU-A Martials’ struggles continued following a narrow 25–22 loss to newcomers NYS Spades.
Despite the defeat, Martials climbed out of the relegation zone for the first time this season after collecting two bonus points and now sit 10th on the log, with Zetech Oaks dropping into the red zone.
Martials’ head coach Tom Lagat admitted fine margins continue to define the league.
“NYS showed up and punished us,” Lagat said. “We took time to settle and gave away a cheap penalty at the end. This league is very entertaining — you blink, and you lose.”
