The last whistle after the Mwamba and Wanyore (Nakuru RFC) game sent players and fans alike onto the field to celebrate Wanyore’s win.

But why did this win mean so much to Wanyore?

The highly contested match between the two teams was a do-or-die game, as they battled to avoid being stuck in the relegation zone, which would see one of the teams miss out on the Kenya Cup season.

For Wanyore, they sailed through with two penalty kicks from Fredrick Odongo, three successful tries from Philip Okeyo, all converted by Fredrick Odongo and a crossover on the whitewash by Cyprian Ombaso.

With their third win in a row, Nakuru is off the high pressure of relegation. However, the team’s management notes that they are not off the hook just yet.

In an interview with Mtaa Wangu after the match, Nakuru RFC technical bench staff Donald Aluoch, was quick to point out areas of weakness that needed to be worked on as the teams steps into their next match.

Nakuru RFC technical bench staff , Donald Aluoch, during an interview after match against Mwamba RFC held at Nakuru Athletics Club on March 1,2025.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

“We are still not yet there. We have to work on certain areas, especially our defence. We are leaking too many tries, and this is a big concern going into the last game. You know, this is going down to the wire in terms of the relegation battle, the other teams are really upping their game. We have to be on top of our game when we meet Impala,” he notes, highlighting key areas they hope to fix before their next match.

Aluoch says they have had a good run in their last three games. However, the last game is crucial, noting that a win would secure them a good standing when the final log comes out.

He also praises Philip Okeyo for his hat trick, terming him his man of the match.

Team captain, Okeyo attributed their win to good planning during training sessions and great execution of set pieces, noting that this greatly improved the number of tries they scored in their games.

Nakuru RFC aptain, Philip Okeyo ,after the match against Mwamba RFC held at Nakuru Athletics Club on March 1,2025.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

“We knew it was going to be tough, but the boys stuck to the structure, and we had a brilliant moment on the pitch. Going into our next match, we hope to maintain the same momentum and get a win,” he notes.

Mwamba RFC coach, Mark Mshila, says it was a good rugby day, especially for the fans who came to watch, as they were really entertained.

Mwamba RFC Coach Mark Mshila during an interview after their match against Nakuru RFC held at Nakuru Athletics Club on March 1,2025.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

“The lead changed quite a few times. The result of 32-27, we take the two bonus points and go back home to plan for the next match against Blak Blad,” he notes.

He observes that defensively, they gave Nakuru too much yardage, something they hope to correct going into their last match.

“The boys all played well. We got an injury mid-play when our player Charles Kuka went out. I hope it is nothing serious. He was giving Nakuru a nightmare on the pitch, and it was a loss to the boys when he went out. All in all, we anticipate a win in our next game,” he remaks.

Philip Okeyo: From ball boy to Nakuru RFC rugby star

Author Spotlight

Purity Kinuthia