Ambaka makes Kenya Simbas return ahead of Tunisia duel

What you need to know:

  • Head coach Ian Snook named the 28-year-old Ambaka in his Simbas squad 23 players that will be seeking their fourth consecutive victory in the qualifiers cum the Africa Gold Cup.
  • Snook said it’s now up to Ambaka to show how good he is.

Kenya Sevens winger William Ambaka is set for his maiden test debut when Kenya Simbas take on visiting Tunisia in 2019 Rugby World Cup Africa qualifier on Saturday at the RFUEA grounds.

Head coach Ian Snook named the 28-year-old Ambaka in his Simbas squad 23 players that will be seeking their fourth consecutive victory in the qualifiers cum the Africa Gold Cup.

Ambaka, who currently plays for Kenya Harlequin, last played for Simbas against visiting Currie Cup side Western Province from South Africa in June 2014 at the RFUEA grounds.

The Kenya Sevens ace, who played for French Division Two side Lyon in 2013-2014, moved to Western Province for the 2014-2015 season before joining Manawatu in New Zealand in 2017.

Ambaka was also included in Simbas side for the 2014 Africa Gold Cup that also doubled up as a 2015 Rugby World Cup qualifier but had to withdraw after suffering an ankle injury.

“Ambaka spoke to me after the Uganda match and indicated his interest. I did some research with Manawatu in New Zealand where he played previously and the results were extremely positive,” said Snook. “We watched a bit of his footage in the Manawatu colours and he should fit well in the group.”

Snook said it’s now up to Ambaka to show how good he is.

Snook also handed Kenya Commercial Bank’s (KCB’s) blind-side flanker Martin Owilah his first start after coming off the bench in the last three matches.

Kenya started their campaign, beating Morocco 28-24 in Rabat before downing Zimbabwe 45-36 in Nairobi.

The Simbas then edged out Uganda Cranes 38-22 in Nairobi but failed to secure any bonus point from their three outings. That makes their campaign tough keeping in mind that their main rivals Namibia, who are the defending champions, have won their matches with huge margins and bonus points.

Namibia top the six teams log with 20 points from four wins and are followed by Kenya Simbas with 12 points from three wins. Kenya now must beat Tunisia and Namibia in their last matches to qualify for the World Cup and reclaim the Africa Gold Cup.

Tunisia lost heavily 118-0 to Namibia in Windhoek, won 18-14 against Zimbabwe in Tunis before losing 67-12 to Uganda in Kampala.

Kenya Simbas and Namibia’s clash on August 18 in Windhoek will perhaps be the deciding duel.

“I know Tunisia beat Zimbabwe and the Sables ran us close. I have seen their other results and watched their games so I know it will be a physical game which will take the normal 100 per cent effort from the boys," said Snook, who hailed his team’s character.

“In a short time-frame and with no warm-up games at any stage, the character of the players has shone through with three hard-earned wins from three games,” said Snook. “In each game we have been under pressure at various times and on each occasion the team have made good decisions and performed.”

Simbas squad to face Tunisia

15. Vincent Mose (Impala Saracens), 14. William Ambaka (Kenya Harlequin), 13. Peter Kilonzo (KCB), 12. Darwin Mukidza (KCB), 11. Jacob Ojee (KCB), 10. Isaac Adimo (Kenya Harlequin), 9. Samson Onsomu (Impala Saracens), 1. Patrick Ouko (Homeboyz), 2. Colman Were (Kabras Sugar), 3. Joseph Odero (Kabras Sugar), 4. Andrew Chogo (Kabras Sugar), 5. Oliver Mang’eni (KCB), 6. Martin Owilah (KCB), 7. Elkeans Musonye (Strathmore Leos), 8. Davis Chenge (KCB/Captain)

REPLACEMENTS 16. Peter Karia (KCB), 17. Moses Amusala (KCB), 18. Hillary Mwanjilwa (Kabras Sugar), 19.Malcolm Onsando (Kenya Harlequin), 20. George Nyambua (Kabras Sugar), 21. Mohamed Omollo, 22. Maxwell Kang’eri (Homeboyz), 23. Tony Onyango (Homeboyz)