Dan Sikuta tees Kenya Simbas up for Zimbabwe rout
Kenya Simba's Darwin Mukidza prepares to make a conversion during a past match. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO |
What you need to know:
- Kenya Harlequin winger David Ambunya and his club-mate Dennis Muhanji crossed the try-line twice each as the 10-try Simbas beat the Sables for the first time at their home turf.
- Omwela hailed the team’s technical bench led by South African Jerome Paarwater for its good guidance.
- The Simbas will complete their Division 1A outing against Uganda on July 30 in Nairobi in a match that will double for the second leg of the Elgon Cup.
- Kenya had crushed Uganda Cranes 48-10 in the first leg before going on to beat Brazil 18-17 in Brazil in a Test match.
Mwamba lock Dan Sikuta touched down a hat-trick of tries as Kenya Simbas mauled hosts Zimbabwe Sables 61-15 in their opening match of the Africa Cup Division 1A at Police Grounds in Harare on Saturday.
Kenya Harlequin winger David Ambunya and his club-mate Dennis Muhanji crossed the try-line twice each as the 10-try Simbas beat the Sables for the first time at their home turf.
Hooker Max Adaka and Ediwn Achayo all from Kabras Sugar and Strathmore Leos’ Tony Onyango went for one try each as a pushover try in the last minute was given to skipper Brian Nyikuli with no clear scorer.
Kenya Commercial Bank winger Darwin Mukidza completed the rout with four conversions and a penalty as Kenya edged out Zimbabwe for the first time since 2013.
“We asked Lord and you gave us, we are humble and to our fans, no words can express how grateful we are for your continued support and prayers,” skipper Brian Nyikuli told Sunday Nation Sport after the match.
“Our next stop is Namibia and we are confident of another victory."
OMWELA HAILS TEAM
Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) chairman Richard Omwela hailed the boys after the impressive victory.
“It’s such a fantastic performance from the Simba. Beating the Sables with such a score at home means a lot to us,” said Omwela.
Omwela hailed the team’s technical bench led by South African Jerome Paarwater for its good guidance.
“It means we are progressing well with the structures we have put in place,” said Omwela. “It also shows that we have got depth if we can produce two 15s and 7s winning outfits.”
Omwela called on the team to remain focused as they proceed to Windhoek where they are due to face the defending champions Namibia next Saturday.
The Simbas will complete their Division 1A outing against Uganda on July 30 in Nairobi in a match that will double for the second leg of the Elgon Cup.
Kenya had crushed Uganda Cranes 48-10 in the first leg before going on to beat Brazil 18-17 in Brazil in a Test match.
Namibia beat Kenya 46-13 last year in the same championships.
Onyango launched the assault with a try that Mukidza converted to lead 7-3. Ambuya's brace of tries and Muhanji’s exploits took Kenya ahead 24-15 at the break.
Mukidza started the second session with a penalty before Muhanji completed his double for a 37-15 lead. Sikuta would follow up Achayo's try with a brace before Adaka crossed the line.
