Kenya Simbas on the prowl in Uganda

What you need to know:

  • Defending champions Cranes to parade five debutantes at their Legends Rugby Club turf Saturday afternoon
  • An all-round play of exacting rugby is expected but the real battle will be at the forwards where both teams have heavy packs.
  • Kenya’s coach Jerome Paawater has named only one newcomer in his starting forward line-up, second row Simon Muniafu, who will partner Oliver Mang’eni.

Kenya Simbas play Uganda Cranes in the first leg of the annual Elgon Cup on Saturday at the Legends Rugby Club in Kampala.

An all-round play of exacting rugby is expected but the real battle will be at the forwards where both teams have heavy packs.

Kenya’s coach Jerome Paawater has named only one newcomer in his starting forward line-up, second row Simon Muniafu, who will partner Oliver Mang’eni.

Kenya Cup winning captain Max Adaka starts at number eight, with skipper Brian Nyikuli and Mike Okombe at flanker. Experienced Moses Amusala and Curtis Lilako will play as props, with Sammy Warui starting as hooker.

Kenya’s bench is beaming with talent what with the front-row twin brothers of James and Joseph Kang’ethe in the mix and another enterprising kicker Lyle Asiligwa.

Kenya’s backline will bank on experience as they seek to wade off Uganda’s attacks in kicking. Fly-half Isaac Adimo, right wing Darwin Mukidza and full-back Vincent Mose are well known kickers. Scrum-half Edwin Achayo should set for the play-making role with goof platform set by the forwards.

The return of explosive outside centre David Ambunya should bring out interesting moments.

Uganda too are out to stop the burly Kenyan pack by fielding experienced skipper Brian Odong, Ronald Mussajja, Pius Ogena, Asuman Mugerwa and Arthur Mpande.

Michael Wokorach will marshall their backline that has Ivan Makmot, Chris Lubanga, James Odong and newcomer Philip Wokorach.

KENYA SIMBAS LINE-UP
1. Moses Amusala, 2. Sammy Warui, 3. Curtis Lilako, 4. Simon Muniafu, 5. Oliver Mang’eni, 6. MIKE Okombe, 7. Brian Nyikuli, 8. Max Adaka, 9. Edwin Achayo, 10. Isaac Adimo, 11. Dennis Muhanji, 12. Nick Baraza, 13. David Ambunya, 14. Darwin Mukidza, 15. Vincent Mose 16. Peter Kaaria, 17. James Kang’ethe, 18. Joseph Kang’ethe, 19 Eric Kerre, 20. Tony Owuor, 21. Dan Sikuta, 22. Lyle Asiligwa, 23. Nato Simiyu, 24. Tony Onyango.

Management: Jerome Paarwater (Head Coach), Dominique Habimana (Assistant Coach),Richard Ochieng (Strength and & Conditioning),Chris Makachia (Physiotherapist), Simiyu Wangila (Team Manager)

UGANDA CRANES LINE-UP

Forwards: Asuman Mugerwa (Heathens), Watum Syrus (Kobs) Odong Brian (Kobs), Uhuru Charles (Kabras), Mullo Dennis (Heathens), Byron Oketayot (Gulu elephants),Ogena Pius(Buffaloes), Musajja Ronald(Harlequins), Kasita Eric(Buffaloes)

Kivumbi Saul (Buffaloes), Segawa Elijah (Mongers), Mpande Arthur (Rhinos), Govule Ramathan(Kobs)

Backs: Makmot Ivan(Rhinos) , Lubanga Chris (Heathens), Odong James (Kabras), Gerald Ssewakambo (Kabras), Oscar Kalyango (Kobs), Micheal Wokorach(Heathens), Phillip Wokorach*(Heathens), Kiwalabye Davis (Kobs), Aredo Joseph (Kobs), Robert Masendi (Buffaloes).