Buffaloes head coach Max Adaka has confirmed his squad that will be on duty in the Rugby Super Series opener against Cheetahs slated for RFUEA grounds on Saturday 12noon.
The 23-man squad is largely comprised of players who featured in the Eric Shirley Shield for Kabras and players who were of Kisumu and MMUST squad.
Buffaloes include Omondi
Jacktone Omondi is back from South Africa following months of high performance training with Rhinos. The former Kenya u20 backrower joins Collins Indeche and Biden Hayo to form loose forwards
The second row has Clinton Litali and Thomas Simiyu. The front row has Edward Mwaura who won the Kenya Cup title on his debut with Kabras, Gibson Perez and Hillary Mwanjilwa who missed a number of Kenya Cup matches due to injury.
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The backline has Dan Angwech at scrum-half while Eric Cantona starts at number 10. The midfield combination has Hillary Salano and Alvin Mutachi.
James Olela fresh from winning the Barthes Cup with Kenya u20 has been named at fullback and he is joined by wingers Griffin Chao and Bede Enonda.
Kisumu RFC hooker Christopher Otieno has been named on the bench alongside teammate Moses Amonde and Walter Ambe.
MMUST duo Paywick Munoko and Javan Olando have also been included in the matchday squad.
On Thursday, Rugby Super Series organizers announced changes for the opening round of the competition set for Saturday.
The opening round was to be played at KCB Sports Club but following the heavy rains, the surface is unplayable forcing the matches to be moved to RFUEA Grounds.
There is also a change in kick off times with the first match pitting Cheetahs and Buffaloes set to kick off at 12:00, one hour 30 minutes early that the initial slated time.
The second match will see Lions and Rhinos face off at 3:00 pm changing from 4:00 p.m.
Buffaloes are based in Kakamega and comprise Kenya Cup Champions Kabras RFC, Kisumu RFC Western Bulls and MMUST.
Cheetahs are based in Nakuru town and have Menengai Oilers, Nakuru RFC and relegated Homeboyz RFC.
Promoted Impala, relegated Kabarak University and University of Eldoret have also included in the franchise.
KCB Rugby, Kenyatta University’s Blak Blad and Mwamba form Lions squad. They are joined by Championship sides JKUAT Cougars, South Coast Pirates and USIU Maritals.
Rhinos have Ngong road club’s Kenya Harlequin, Nondies and varsity side Strathmore Leos. Daystar Falcons, Mean Machine and Mombasa.
Buffaloes Matchday squad
- Edward Mwaura
- Gibson Perez
- Hilary Mwanjilwa
- Clinton Litali
- Thomas Simiyu
- Jacktone Omondi
- Collins Indeche
- Biden Hayo
- Ang’ Wech
- Eric Cantona
- Griffin Chao
- Hillary Salano
- Alvin Mutachi
- Bede Enonda
- James Olela
- Christopher Otieno
- Moses Amonde
- Javan Olando
- Paywick Munoko
- Fortune Aturo
- Walter Ambe
- Roy Maruti
- Victor Otieno
