Kenya Simbas head coach Jerome Paarwater has announced his squad for the Elgon Cup clash against Uganda Cranes, scheduled for Saturday at RFUEA Grounds.
Paarwater has handed debuts to three players, with two of them in the backs. Kenya U20 forward Andy Cole Omolo, will make his first senior appearance in the back row after a strong season with KCB Rugby and Kenya U20.
Omolo in for Kenya Simbas
He’ll join captain George Nyambua and Jeanson Misoga in the back row.
KCB Rugby in action against Nakuru RFC. PHOTO/KCB Rugby
The second row features locks Hillary Odhiambo and Emmanuel Silungi, while the front row is anchored by Ephraim Oduor, vice-captain Eugene Sifuna, and Wilhite Musisi.
Kabras RFC wing Griffin Chao will make his 15s debut on the right wing following impressive performances in the Kenya Cup and Rugby Super Series. He joins left winger Alfred Orege and fullback Timothy Omela.
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Brian Wahinya starts at scrum-half with Barry Young at fly-half. KCB Rugby’s Tyson Maina, a former Kenya U20 star, will debut in the midfield alongside Walter Okoth.
The bench includes Griffin Musila, Edward Mwaura, Hibriahn Ayoo, Ernest Obat Kuke, Elkeans Musonye, Samson Onsomu, Paul Mutsami, and Jone Kubu, who is set for his first match in 2024.
Kenya Simbas vs Uganda
The Elgon Cup last took place in Nairobi on June 7, 2018. Since then, the Simbas’ last two home matches were held at Mamboleo Grounds in 2019 and 2023. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Elgon Cup, named after Mount Elgon, which sits on the border between Kenya and Uganda. The tournament is played over two legs, with the winner on aggregate claiming the trophy.
Kenya Simbas captain George Nyambua and Uganda’s Ali Bhika. Photo/Uganda Rugby Union
The Simbas come into the match after a challenging Rugby Africa Cup campaign. They secured a quarterfinal win over Senegal but fell 20-12 to Algeria in the semifinals at Nelson Mandela Stadium in Namboole and lost the third-place playoff 38-22 to Namibia. These results impacted their World Rankings, but returning to RFUEA Grounds presents an opportunity to regain momentum at a venue where they have traditionally performed well.
Kenya Simbas squad
- Ephraim Oduor
- Eugene Sifuna (VC)
- Wilhite Musisi
- Emmanuel Silungi
- Hillary Odhiambo
- George Nyambua (C)
- Andycyle Omolo*
- Jeanson Misoga
- Brian Wahinya
- Barry Young (VC)
- Alfred Orege
- Walter Okoth
- Tyson Maina*
- Griffin Chao*
- Timothy Omela
Reserves: 16. Griffin Musila
17. Edward Mwaura
18. Hibriahn Ayoo
19. Ernest Obat Kuke
20. Elkeans Musonye
21. Samson Onsomu
22. Jone Kubu
23. Paul Mutsami
(*On Debut)
