Nakuru's Owila makes Kenya squad to face Namibia
PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU Nakuru RFC's Martin Owila (centre) in action during a past match. Owila is set to start on June 28, 2014 when Kenya 15s face Namibia in their their 2015 Rugby World Cup qualifying match at the Mahamasina Stadium in Antananarivo, Madagascar.
What you need to know:
- Kenya play Namibia at 1pm with Madagascar taking on Zimbabwe at 3pm in the championship that doubles up as the Confederation of Africa Rugby Division 1A tournament.
- Kenyan Sevens star Lavin Asego starts at fly half for the Tusker Simba, partnering with scrum half Edwin Achayo while Patrice Agunda and Humphrey Kayange feature in midfield. Wings Dennis Muhanji, Collins Injera and fullback Tony Onyango complete the back three.
Nakuru eighth man Martin Owila will earn his first international cap when Kenya 15s take on Namibia in their 2015 Rugby World Cup qualifying match at the Mahamasina Stadium in Antananarivo, Madagascar on Saturday.
Kenya play Namibia at 1pm with Madagascar taking on Zimbabwe at 3pm in the championship that doubles up as the Confederation of Africa Rugby Division 1A tournament.
The competition is also known as Africa Cup where Kenya are the defending champions.
Head coach Jerome Paarwater has slotted Owila -who featured for Kisumu RFC before moving to Nakuru - at his backrow that comprises Brian Nyikuli and Mike Okombe at openside and blindside flank respectively. Twin towers Oliver Mang’eni and skipper Wilson K’Opondo are at second row.
The Kang’ethe twins James and Joseph start at loosehead and tighthead respectively with hooker Sammy Warui completing the front row.
Kenyan Sevens star Lavin Asego starts at fly half for the Tusker Simba, partnering with scrum half Edwin Achayo while Patrice Agunda and Humphrey Kayange feature in midfield. Wings Dennis Muhanji, Collins Injera and fullback Tony Onyango complete the back three.
Speaking from the team’s base in Antananaravivo, Team Manager Simiyu Wangila said: “The team has settled in well and are well aware of the task at hand. They have prepared their ammunition for the battle on Saturday.”
FIFTH APPEARANCE
Namibia will be eying their fifth RWC finals appearance after representing Africa at 1999, 2003, 2007 and 2011 finals while Zimbabwe are seeking a comeback after the 1987 and 1991 appearances.
Kenya’s five previous attempts to qualify have been unsuccessful. Kenya’s campaign started in 1993 during a round-robin tournament in Nairobi when they beat Arabian Gulf 24-23 but lost to Namibia and Zimbabwe 60-9 and 42-7 respectively to miss the 1995 finals in South Africa.
KENYAN SQUAD
15. Tony Onyango, 14. Collins Injera, 13. Humphrey Kayange, 12. Patrice Agunda, 11. Dennis Muhanji, 10. Lavin Asego, 9. Edwin Achayo, 8. Martin Owila, 7. Michael Okombe, 6. Brian Nyikuli, 5. Wilson K’Opondo (captain), 4. Oliver Mang’eni, 3. James Kang’ethe, 2. Samuel Warui, 1. Joseph Kang’ethe.
RESERVES: 16. Maxwell Adaka, 17. Curtis Lilako, 18. Moses Amusala, 19. Ronnie Mwenesi, 20. Andrew Amonde, 21. Lyle Asiligwa, 22. Kenny Andola, 23. Michael Agevi.
