World Cup-plotting Kenya Simbas head for high altitude

What you need to know:

  • Fifteen new players were picked in Kenya Simbas’ tentative squad of 35 players for the Elgon Cup that will be used as a warm up for Africa’s 2019 Japan Rugby World Cup qualifier.
  • “The new coaches’ set up and approach is different and has been received well, and it’s good experience,” said Wangila.

Kenya Simbas will hold a three-day high altitude training camp in Nanyuki ahead of their Elgon Cup clash with Uganda on May 26 in Kampala as they gear up for the 2019 World Cup qualifiers.

Team manager Wangila Simiyu disclosed that the camp that starts on May 18 at Maiyan, will be imperative for the players to gel besides getting to know the new coaches from New Zealand Ian Snook and Murray Roulston better.

“The team will get to train with the British Army to improve their mental strength besides their physical strength and conditioning aspect,” said Wangila.

The Simbas team manager said that the coaches will certainly try out several combinations. “High level of concentration will be required hence Nanyuki will be the best place to be.”

Wangila said the two sets of trials that ended on Sunday at the RFUEA grounds were open and involved some of Kenya’s top club coaches.

Fifteen new players were picked in Kenya Simbas’ tentative squad of 35 players for the Elgon Cup that will be used as a warm up for Africa’s 2019 Japan Rugby World Cup qualifier.

“The new coaches’ set up and approach is different and has been received well, and it’s good experience,” said Wangila.

“The players whose fitness levels were down have worked hard. But I can tell you it was tough and some seasoned players were locked out.

Most of the players picked by head coach Ian Snook following Sunday’s final trials are from Enterprise Cup champions Homeboyz and Kabras Sugar.

Homeboyz have six newcomers while Kabras has four.

From Homeboyz are Patrick Ouko (Front-row), Dalmas Chituyi (back-row), Maxwell Kangeri and Zeden Marrow (centre), Mohammed Omollo (scrum-half) and Tony Onyango (wing).

Newcomers from Kabras are Joseph Odero and Coleman Were (front-row), Andrew Chogo (lock) and Felix Ayange (wing). 

Quins have two new faces in the national team Malcom Onsando (Lock) and Peter MIsango (back-row).

Simbas 2019 squad as released by Kenya Rugby Union (KRU)

Forwards: Patrick Ouko (Homeboyz), Oscar Simiyu (KCB), Moses Amusala (KCB), Joseph Odero (Kabras), Nelson Nyandat (KCB), Curtis Lilako (KCB), Peter Karia, (KCB), Phillip Ikambilli, (Homeboyz), Coleman Were (Kabras),

Second row: Oliver Mangeni (KCB),Malcolm Onsando (Quins),Eric Kerre (Impala),Wilson Kopondo, (Quins),Andrew Chogo (Kabras),George Nyambua (Kabras),

Backrow: Dalmus Chituyi (Homeboyz), Peter Misango (Quins), Elkeans Musonye (Strathmore), Martin Owila (KCB), Davis Chenge (KCB),

Half-backs: Samson Onsomu (Impala), Xavier Kipngetich (Impala), Mohammed Omollo (Homeboyz),Isaac Adimo (Quins), Biko Adema (Nondies),

Centres: Leo Seje (Impala), Maxwell Kangeri (Homeboyz), Peter Kilonzo (KCB), Zedden Marrow (Homeboyz),

Wingers: Tony Onyango (Homeboyz),Felix Ayange (Kabras), Jacob Ojee (KCB), Darwin Mukidza (KCB), Edmund Anya (Strathmore),Vincent Mose (Impala)