Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) face a defining moment in their short Kenya Cup stay as they travel to face Nondescripts RFC in a rescheduled fixture tomorrow, with relegation staring them in the face.
The students, who earned promotion to the top tier last season, have endured a turbulent debut campaign. The John Asila led charges have managed just two wins in ten outings, leaving them rooted in 11th place with 11 points, bottom of the standings.
Heading into the final round, survival is no longer entirely in their hands.
Slim survival hopes
For MMUST to beat the drop, they must secure a bonus-point victory against ninth placed Nondies who are also eyeing playoffs spot, a result that would lift them to 16 points. That tally would see them draw level with 10th-placed Impala RFC.
However, the Kakamega-based side would edge Impala on the head-to-head rule, having beaten them 20-15 earlier in the season, a result that could now prove decisive in their survival bid.
Still, that alone will not be enough.
MMUST must also hope that Impala fall to KU Blak Blad in their own rescheduled fixture and crucially, that Impala fail to pick up even a losing bonus point. Any point for Impala would render MMUST’s efforts futile, regardless of the result against Nondies.
All or nothing
It sets up a high-stakes encounter for the students, who must not only win but do so emphatically against a seasoned Nondies outfit.
Coach Asila has named a 24-man squad for the clash as they chase what would be their most important result of the season.
MMUST Squad vs Nondies:
1.Fidel Simba
2.Caleb Owino
3.Daniel Mukambi
4.Alvin Maulo
5.Joshua Sudi
6.Emmanuel Sakwa
7.Victor Sikuku
8.Brian Ndeda
9.Veron Kaburu
10.Flavian Otiyo
11.Bevon Okoth
12.Moses Bulemi
13.Donald Litali
14.Alwine Kwemoi
15.Job Otieno
Replacements:
16. Ishmael Karanja
17. Elly Mukotsi
18. Collins Ngoko
19. Fidel Munyasia
20. Richard Ochieng
21. Philip Otsyula
22. Esbon Mwangi
23. Desmond Kirwa
24. Simon Buluku
Moments of Truth
For a side that has battled throughout the season, this fixture represents more than just another match it is a shot at redemption and survival.
Victory alone will not guarantee safety, but anything less will confirm their return to the Championship.
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