Quins, Impala renew rivalry
Kenya Harlequin sing their anthem before their finals against KCB at the Safaricom sevens series finals at RFUEA grounds, on September 8, 2013. Kenya Harlequin and Impala Saracens will renew their rivalry in an explosive looking Kenya Cup Ngong Road derby starting at 4pm at the RFUEA ground. PHOTO |CHARLES KAMAU |
What you need to know:
- Quins, who are placed second in the league, have effected several changes in a bid to tighten both their forwards and backs department.
- Impala deputy coach Nick Abok has only made one change replacing injured winger Lameck Dunde with George Okowa.
Kenya Harlequin and neighbours Impala Saracens renew their rivalry in an explosive looking Kenya Cup Ngong Road derby starting at 4pm at the RFUEA ground.
The duel will be preceded by another mouth-watering clash between Homeboyz and Western Bulls at 2pm at the same grounds.
Quins, who are placed second in the league, have effected several changes in a bid to tighten both their forwards and backs department.
Quins coach Sydney “Black Rose” Obonyo has brought in Tony Mutai in place of Mike Simiyu at prop, John Kiilu comes in for Nzioka Kioko at second row while Eric Shikuku moves to full back in place of Kevin Keegan.
Keegan moves to fly half in place of injured Isaac Adimu while Lyle Asiligwa takes over from Geoffrey Okoth at scrum half. Okoth will start at the bench.
RECKONING MOMENT
It will be interesting to see how Impala play with experienced Nato Simiyu at fly half, enterprising Samuel Oliech at full back, Mike Mugo at scrum half and explosive Jeef Koome at centre.
“We have been training together but we just want to know who can step into the mud and who can’t,” said Obonyo.
He said he expects a tough game especially upfront. “They will be seeking revenge and the engine in both teams is in the forwards.”
Quins edged out Impala 33-12 in their last Kenya Cup outing.
Impala deputy coach Nick Abok has only made one change replacing injured winger Lameck Dunde with George Okowa. “It’s a game that will bring out all the emotions but eventually the team that controls the set-pieces should carry the day,” said Abok, who will be banking on the experienced Paul Oimbo, Duncan Ekasi and Joel Omer in the battle of forwards.
TESTING SYSTEMS
“We want to see how our systems will be tested against Quins.
Referee John Bosco Muamba will handle the match
Paul Murunga’s Homeboyz, who crushed Machine 71-3 in their opening match before being stopped in their tracks by Impala 7-45, hope to bounce back against Western Bulls, who are enjoying a good run.
Western Bulls defeated Nondescripts 19-17 in their opening match at Mwamba 16-15 in a tense affair last weekend.
