Africa-Press – Kenya. Enterprise Cup champions Kabras Sugar will step into unfamiliar territory on March 21 when they face Uganda’s most decorated side, Heathens RFC, in a blockbuster quarter-final clash in Kampala.
The cross-border fixture headlines a renewed effort by the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) and the Uganda Rugby Union to deepen competition between the two nations at club level.
In a landmark arrangement, eight teams from Kenya and Uganda will square off from the quarterfinal stage, injecting fresh regional rivalry into Africa’s oldest rugby competition.
In other quarterfinal fixtures in Kampala, Uganda, Premiership champions Black Pirates will host KCB. Back in Nairobi, Menengai Oilers take on Buffaloes, while competition record holders Nondescripts renew rivalry with Ugandan giants Kobs. Kabras and Oilers advanced to the last eight via walkovers against Quins and Nakuru, respectively, in the round of 16. Nondies beat Strathmore 27–17, while KCB hammered Blak Blad 60–7 to underline their title credentials.
KRU director of fixtures Leslie Mwangale expects fiercely contested ties. “It will be quite competitive to have the Ugandan teams facing our Kenyan clubs. At the national level, there is already strong rivalry, but we want to take it back to the club level and strengthen the competition,” he said.
Mwangale believes the initiative will have long-term benefits for both countries’ national sides. “It’s a win-win for the two countries. A good number of players who feature for these clubs form the backbone of the national teams. Increased competition at club level will only improve performance in future international assignments,” he added.
First contested in 1930, the Enterprise Cup carries deep regional roots. Ugandan and Tanzanian sides were once regular contenders, with the now-defunct Kampala RFC lifting the trophy four times — in 1956, 1968, 1969 and 1970.
In the 2000s, Ugandan heavyweights Heathens, Kobs and Pirates featured prominently, with Kobs reaching the quarterfinals in 2008. Kabras head coach Carlos Katywa anticipates a stern examination against Heathens but insists his side is ready.
“It will be the first time we are playing the Ugandan opposition. We know they have quality players, but we are more than ready for the challenge,” said the South African tactician.
Before shifting focus to Kampala, Kabras must navigate domestic duties as the Kenya Cup resumes this weekend. They face Blak Blad on Saturday before concluding the pool phase against Nondies, KCB and Oilers — a demanding run that could sharpen them perfectly for their regional test.
