Cheetahs head coach Lawrence Buyachi has announced his matchday squad for the opening match against Buffaloes in Rugby Super Series opener set for noon at RFUEA Grounds.
The front row consists of Francis Orembe, hooker Celestine Mboi, and Desterious Ifedha. Ibrahim Ayoo will captain the side and has been paired with Clinton Odhiambo in the second row.
Cheetahs back row
The flankers are Nakuru RFC’s Amos Obae and Felix Okoth, with Samuel Were taking the number eight position.
Samuel Onsumu and fly-half Tony Oketch will handle the half-back duties.
Buyachi has chosen Chrispine Shitundo for the midfield, who, despite a career primarily as a back row, will partner with Tyson Maina, who transitioned from back row to midfield for Menengai Oilers earlier this season.
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Beldad Ogeta, the top scorer for Oilers in the 2023/24 season, will play on the left wing, while Quinto Ongo from Impala will take the open side.
Samuel Mwaura has been assigned the full-back position for the match.
On the bench, youngster James Macharia, Javan Otieno, and Elkeans Musonye have been included.
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.
2005 champions Buffaloes are based in Kakamega and comprise Kenya Cup Champions Kabras RFC, Kisumu RFC and Catholic Monks. Western Bulls and MMUST are also part of the franchise
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.
Cheetahs matchday squad
- Francis Orembe
- Celestine Mboi
- Desterious Ifedha
- Ibrahim Ayoo (C)
- Clinton Odhiambo
- Amos Obae
- Felix Okoth
- Samuel Were
- Samson Onsumu
- Tony Oketch
- Beldad Ogeta
- Chrispine Shitundo
- Tyson Maina
- Quinto Ongo
- Samuel Mwaura
Bench: 16. Emmanuel Mboya
- Kevin Kiget
- Erick Miheso
- Nelson Tengeye
- Elkeans Mukamiti
- James Muthoni
- Javan Okwaro
- Barry Opondo
