Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) Rugby and Daystar University Falcons have secured their places in the prestigious Kenya Cup after emphatic victories in the promotion playoffs.
MMUST Rugby Club stamped their authority with a commanding 46-9 win over Zetech Oaks, marking a triumphant return to the top tier after two seasons in the second division.
The Makakas, who narrowly missed out on qualification last season, came into the match determined to make amends, and they did so in style.
The encounter kicked off with MMUST setting the tempo early, as Martin Masika crossed the whitewash for the opening try. Zetech briefly responded through their fly-half’s penalty conversion, making it 5-3.
However, MMUST quickly reasserted their dominance, with their lock forward charging over for a try. Flavian Otiyo converted one attempt while another went wide, giving MMUST a 12-3 lead at the break.
After halftime, Zetech had a chance to cut the deficit with a penalty attempt, but their fly-half failed to find the target. MMUST capitalized on their opponents’ missed opportunity in the 51st minute when Musa Mugandi’s precise kick set up Sudi for a dazzling try. Bryon Ogada added the extras to extend the lead to 17-3.
Karanja, wearing jersey 2, further solidified MMUST’s superiority with another try, though Ogada missed the conversion, bringing the score to 24-3. Zetech managed another penalty, making it 24-6, but MMUST continued to pile on the pressure. Mugandi weaved through the defense to touch down, pushing the lead to 29-6 after a missed conversion.
Zetech’s third penalty cut the scoreline to 29-9, but MMUST responded in devastating fashion. Masika powered through from halfway for another stunning try, though Ogada’s conversion attempt was unsuccessful. Mugandi added another try under the posts, and this time, Ogada’s boot was accurate. Joshua Sudi sealed the resounding victory with a final try, ensuring MMUST’s return to the Kenya Cup with a remarkable 46-9 scoreline.
Speaking after the game, MMUST head coach John Asila lauded his charges for their determination and execution. “This was a statement victory. The boys showed hunger and discipline throughout. It wasn’t an easy journey, but their hard work has paid off. We’re back in the Kenya Cup, and we’re coming stronger,” Asila said.
Daystar Falcons also earned their spot in the Kenya Cup after a historic 29-10 triumph over Catholic Monks at Daystar Grounds in Athi River. The Falcons, under the guidance of head coach Caleb Bosire, had been knocking on the door for promotion after missing out last season. Their persistence finally bore fruit as they delivered a dominant performance to seal their long-awaited top-tier berth.
The Falcons previously claimed the 2021/22 KRU Nationwide title, defeating Zetech Oaks 30-13 in the final at RFUEA Grounds. Having spent three seasons in the second tier, their promotion marks a significant milestone for the team.
In addition to their playoff success, Daystar Falcons completed a season double over Catholic Monks, having edged them 16-15 in the regular season.
With the defeat, Catholic Monks will remain in the second division for another season, joining Homeboyz, who were relegated from the Kenya Cup last year.
MMUST and Daystar Falcons will take the places of Mwamba and South Coast Pirates, who have been relegated from the Kenya Cup after a challenging campaign.
