Five rookies to face Eagles in Cup

Chris Omollo | Nation
Kenya’s Dennis Muhanji breaks through Uganda’s defence during their Elgon Cup match at Kasarani on June 15 last year. Kenya Tusker Simba plays Eagles in the Vodacom Cup in South Africa Saturday.

What you need to know:

  • While the Eagles are regulars in the Vodacom Cup, they have neither won it nor played in the final and are among the less fancied sides in the event.

Kenya Harlequin hooker debutante Edward Oseko is among five players to get a first start when Kenya Tusker Simba face South West Districts Eagles in their second Vodacom Cup today in Cape Town. 

Head coach Jerome Paawaters will reshuffle his team with every match to suit the tough conditions at the championship.

“We reckon that this will be a long tournament for the boys and they are not used to these conditions,” Paawaters said. “I will be field different teams so as to avoid injuries and to allow those with injuries to recover.”

Oseko replaces Max Adaka, who scored a try against EP Kings before being sin-binned in Tusker’s 17-10 victory last weekend. Duncan Mwangi and Curtis Lilako will play as loosehead and tighthead prop in place of twins James and Joseph Kang’ethe.

K’Opondo retained captaincy

Wilson K’Opondo retains the captaincy and will partner Tony Mutai who replaces Oliver Mang’eni in the second row.

With Brian Nyikuli down with pneumonia, Davis Chenge will debut for the national 15s side at open side flank. Mike Okombe and Joshua Chisanga will retain their places as blind side flank and eighthman respectively.

Lyle Asiligwa and Eden Agero will do the honours at scrumhalf and flyhalf in place of Edwin Achayo and Kenny Andola.

Homeboyz centre Augustine Gumo, also a debutant, will play as inside centre with Dennis Muhanji as an outside centre. Gumo replaces Nick Barasa as Muhanji, who played at wing last week, will take Fabian Olando’s place.

Darwin Mukidza and Leonard Mugaisi will run down the wings while Isaac Adimo will be a sweeper. Mukidza will also debut for the 15s side against the Eagles. Mugaisi and Adimo started in last week’s win, with the former scoring two tries on his debut for the 15s team.

Cautioned his team

Paawaters has again cautioned his charges that things will be difficult for them after victory over Kings. “Our rivals have analysed the match and will leave nothing to chance,” said Paawaters.

K’Opndo affirmed his side’s commitment for a continue good show but warned that their opponents will come hard on them.

“Even though our main focus is to grow and learn in South Africa, we also want to secure some wins,” said K’Opondo, adding that the mood in camp is encouraging and players eager to show what they can offer.

“Our goal is to improve heading into the World Cup qualifiers in June, and we cannot do that by playing teams that are at our level. If we can secure a few more wins, especially in Cape Town, then we will have had a satisfactory outing,” he said in on phone from Cape Town.

Regular participants

While the Eagles are regulars in the Vodacom Cup, they have neither won it nor played in the final and are among the less fancied sides in the event.

However their 47-52 loss to Free State Cheetahs last weekend in Bloemfontein is proof of what they can do when in possession of the ball.

Simba XV’s win over Kings sent out warning signals to all clubs as their opponents take keen interest on their style of play. Kick off has been slated for 5:30pm Kenyan time.

Squad: 1. Curtis Lilako 2. Edward Oseko 3. Duncan Mwangi 4. Wilson K’opondo 5. Tony Mutai 6. Michael Okombe 7. Davis Chenge 8. Joshua Chisanga 9. Lyle Asiligwa 10. Eden Agero 11. Darwin Mukidza 12. Augustine Gumo  13. Dennis Muhanji 14.

Leonard Mugaisi 15. Isaac Adimo. Replacements:16. Maxwell Adaka, 17.Moses Amusala, 18.Emmanuel Mavala, 19.Martin Owila, 20. Edwin Achayo, 21.Kenny Andola, 22.Fabian Olando.