A 38-man Simbas squad has reported for residential training in Kakamega ahead of November’s assignments in the Victoria Cup and Elgon Cup.
The fixtures will be in Kampala and Kisumu next month. Kenya will open their campaign against Zambia on November 1 at Kyadondo Rugby Club, Kampala before taking on hosts Uganda on Sunday 5 November at King’s Park, Kampala.
On November 11, Simbas will host Uganda in the return leg at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium, Kisumu.
Simbas head coach Jerome Paarwater named the majority of the squad that was on duty in the Currie Cup First Division competition has been retained for the matches against Zambia and Uganda with the exception of Samuel Asati, Beldad Ogeta, Elvis Olukusi who are now with Shujaa, Timothy Mmasi who is now playing for Old Blue Rugby Club in the USA and Emmanuel Mulla.
Making a return to the squad is Oilers prop Edward Mwaura as well as the KCB duo of Mike Kimwele and Emmanuel Silungi while Dan Ang’wech (Kabras Sugar), Paul Mutsami (Kenya Harlequin) and Shem Okola (Strathmore Leos) are all in line for their potential debuts.
The squad will be whittled down to 28 ahead of Sunday night’s departure for Kampala.
FORWARDS: Ephraim Oduor (Kabras Sugar), TJ Okidia (KCB), Ian Njenga (Kenya Harlequin), Edward Mwaura (Menengai Oilers),Eugene Sifuna (Kabras Sugar), Teddy Akala (Kabras Sugar), Griffin Musila (KCB), Emmanuel Otieno (Kabras Sugar), Hillary Mwanjilwa (Kabras Sugar), Wilhite Mususi (KCB), Meshack Tunechi (Kenya Harlequin), Ian Masheti (Strathmore Leos),Hillary Odhiambo (Kabras Sugar), David Bunduki (Kabras Sugar), Emmanuel Silungi (KCB), Hibrahim Ayoo (Menengai Oilers), Clinton Odhiambo (Menengai Oilers),George Nyambua (Kabras Sugar, captain), Sheldon Kahi (Kenya Harlequin),Brian Ndirangu (Menengai Oilers), Reinhard Mwalati ( Masinde Muliro), Jeanson Musoga (Kabras Sugar), Peter Waitere (KCB), Elkeans Musonye (Menengai Oilers)
BACKS: Barry Young (Kabras Sugar), Dan Ang’wech (Kabras Sugar), Brian Wahinya (KCB), Paul Mutsami (Kenya Harlequin), Walter Okoth (Kabras Sugar), Shem Okola (Strathmore Leos), Jone Kubu (Kabras Sugar), Matoka Matoka (Strathmore Leos), Byrceson Adaka (Kabras Sugar), Peter Kilonzo (KCB), Joel Inzuga (Mwamba), Derrick Ashiundu (Kabras Sugar), Alfred Orege (Kabras Sugar), Michael Kimwele (KCB).
HEAD COACH: Jerome Paarwater ASSISTANT COACHES: Carlos Katywa, Curtis Aluoch, Richard Ochieng PHYSIO Gerald Omondi TEAM MANAGER Jimmy Mnene
Simbas Fixtures
Simbas v Zambia | Wednesday 1 November | Kyadondo Rugby Club, Kampala | 1600 EAT
Simbas v Uganda | Sunday 5 November | King’s Park, Kampala| 1600 EAT
Simbas v Uganda | Saturday 11 November | Jomo Kenyatta Stadium, Kisumu | 1600 EAT
