Kenya chase eighth Elgon title

History favours Kenya as they take on Uganda in the return leg of the annual Elgon Cup at Rugby Football Union of East Africa ground on Saturday from 4pm.

Uganda carry a 19-5 advantage courtesy of their win in Kampala a week on Saturday but have clinched the series only once in its eight-year history, in 2006.

Kenya captain, prop Joel Ng’ang’a, said the home team was eager to overturn the 14 point deficit and had worked hard on what was needed fell the Ugandans.

“We have changed the major positions we had problems with in Kampala. We will want to control the forward play and also test them in the open,” the tenacious prop said.

Coach Michael “Tank” Otieno made the necessary changes, drafting in experienced Peter Mutahi at scrum half to partner with upcoming Eden Egero as stand off.

Dennis Muhanji makes a return at inside centre for a useful looking midfield combination with his outside Nick Barasa.

In all, Otieno made six changes to the side that played in Kampala as Kenya showed intent to bounce back in emphatic style.

Will be very tight

The pack remained virtually unchanged and Ng’ang’a said the boiler room men will be the key to the game should the current wet conditions prevail on Saturday.

“We would prefer a dry day but should it rain we will have to play it very tight and controlled. The team that commits fewer mistakes will win,” he said.

Kenya, seven-times Elgon Cup champions, will however feel outscoring Uganda by 15 points here in Nairobi well within their means.

The match will be preceded by Kenya versus Uganda in the women’s competition. Uganda carry a 15-6 lead into the encounter.

The home side will be without captain Abedeen Shikoyi out with a leg injury. Doreen Remour will wear the captain’s armband.