Kenya Simba upbeat ahead of Senegal duel in Rugby Africa Cup

Kenya Simbas Hillary Odhimabo (center) in action against Uganda during a past match.[KRU]

Kenya Simbas will kick off their Rugby Africa Cup campaign against Senegal at 12:00noon in Kampala, Uganda on Saturday.

The match will be the second of four games scheduled to take place at the Nelson Mandela Stadium from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm EAT.

The Head of the XVs program, Jerome Paarwater is confident in the team that he and his management team have selected to play against Senegal.

“I’m very happy with the team we have selected for Saturday; we have selected the strongest possible team in the setup with the understanding that this won’t be an easy match but I’m confident that we can get points from this game,” said Jerome.

Out of the 23 players, 20 have represented the Simbas in previous tournaments while three players, Abutwalib Wesonga, Richel Wangila and Obat Kuke have the potential of earning their debut on Saturday as they start from the bench.

“I’m looking forward to seeing how they will play the game and I’m also sure they’re very excited to play and they’ll be giving their best on the pitch. It’s always good to have young guys on the team and I know the senior guys on the team will keep them calm on the field.” concluded Jerome.

The team will be captained by George Nyambua and he will be assisted by Eugene Sifuna and Samson Onsomu.

Simbas squad facing Senegal:

1. Ephraim Oduor(Kabras Sugar RFC) 2. Eugene Sifuna – VC (Kabras Sugar RFC) 3. Hillary Mwanjilwa (Kabras Sugar RFC) 4. Ibrahim Ayoo(Menengai Oilers) 5. Hilary Odhiambo(Kabras Sugar RFC) 6. George Nyambua – C (Kabras Sugar RFC) 7. Thomas Okeyo (Griffons RC)  8. Jeanson Misoga (Kabras Sugar RFC) 9. Samson Onsomu – VC (Menengai Oilers) 10. Barry Robinson (Kabras Sugar RFC) 11. Beldad Ogeta(Menengai Oilers) 12. Walter Okoth (Kabras Sugar RFC) 13. Bryceson Adaka (Kabras Sugar RFC) 14. Derrick Ashihundu (Kabras Sugar RFC) 15. Timothy Omela(Menengai Oilers) 16. Griffin Musila (KCB RC) 17. Edward Mwaura (Kabras Sugar RFC) 18. Wilhite Mususi(KCB RC) 19. Malcolm Onsando (Timisoara RC) 20. Elkeans Musonye(Menengai Oilers) 21. Obat Kuke*(Kenyatta University BlakBlad) 22. Abutwalib Wesonga* (Menengai Oilers) 23. Richel Wangila*(Kenya Harlequin)