By OUR CORRESPONDENT
Kenya Cup defending champions Kabras will open their title defense against Kisumu RFC on November 25 when the 2023/24 season kicks off.
Kisumu RFC is yet to name a head coach following the departure of Lawrence Buyachi who left for Nakuru. Former Kenyan international Fabian Olando is likely to be in charge of the team.
Kisumu RFC secretary Jaycox Mwavali said: “The process of recruiting a new coach is ongoing.”
This year’s competition sees the return of the top Six playoffs where the teams ranked positions three through to six at the close of the regular season battle for semifinal qualification.
The teams ranked first and second at the close of the regular season will earn direct home semifinal berths.
The bottom two teams will be relegated at the close of the regular season. Kenya Cup returnees Nondescript will start their campaign against former champions KCB according to the fixtures released by the Kenya Rugby Union.
Former Kenya Cup champions Mwamba and Blak Blad will face off in matchday one while Strathmore Leos will face Nakuru RFC. Catholic Monks and Kenya Harlequins will battle it out in the other game.
At the same time, Samurai Barracudas and Uganda have officially announced their lineups for the upcoming Safari 7s scheduled to take place at Nairobi’s RFUEA Ground from November 17-19, 2023.
Under the guidance of Welsh coach Nick Wakely, Samurai’s squad boasts the expertise of Kenya Sevens legend Collins Injera as the assistant coach. Managing the team is Jimmy Mnene, while Fahad Adil assumes the role of operations director.
Uganda, too, has revealed its men’s and women’s squads for the Nairobi event. Men’s Head Coach Tolbert Onyango’s lineup includes notable players such as Aaron Ofoyrwoth and Adrian Kasito. The Lady Cranes, Uganda’s women’s team, will be captained by Peace Lekuru, with Agnes Nakuya serving as a key member.
Here are the selected players for each team:
Samurai Barracudas Squad:
- Arthur Haug
- Charlie Coe
- Charlie Venables
- Dan Hoesk
- Ethan Issacs
- Florian Makala
- Henry Kirwan
- Mervan da Silva
- Nabo Sikoyi
- Noegh Hayward
- Struan Hutchison
- Tom Role
Uganda Rugby Cranes Squad:
- Aaron Ofoyrowth (Captain)
- Davis Shimwa
- Alex Aturinda
- Mark Osuna
- Timothy Mugisha
- Pius Ogena
- Issac Massanganzira
- Adrian Kasito (Vice Captain)
- William Nkore
- Roy Kizito
- Nobert Okeny
