The 2024 Rugby Super Series takes center stage this weekend at the RFUEA Grounds along Ngong Road. This first round was initially scheduled to take place at the KCB Sports Ground in Ruaraka but the ongoing rains have rendered the playing surface unplayable.
Despite all the changes in timings and venue, the excitement that comes with such an elite competition is palpable. The four men’s franchises have already selected their squads of 35 players each and have trimmed them down to 23 for the opening round of action.
Some big names have made the squads, some have not but what is clear is that we are in for a treat.
Nakuru-based Cheetahs will take on Kakamega-based Buffaloes in the early kick-off. The Cheetahs have the most experienced squad of the two, on paper. Theirs is a team full of captains.
Lawrence Buyachi will count on the experience of his franchise captain Ibrahim Ayoo who led the Menengai Oilers to a third-place finish in the Kenya Cup. Ayoo will partner his clubmate Clinton Juma in the engine room.
Buyachi has further named the likes of Chrispine Shitundo, Tyson Maina, Amos Nyamanya, Felix Odhiambo and Samson Onsomu, all who have captained different sides in the past, in his starting lineup.
Kenya Simbas utility backrow Elkeans Mukamiti will look to make an impact from the bench. He is joined by Nakuru’s diminutive hooker Emmanuel Mboya, the exciting James Muthoni who made his Kenya Cup debut at just 17 years as well as Erick Miheso.
Buffaloes’ youth
On his part, Maxwell Adaka will be leading a very youthful and exciting side. He will at least count on a front row with international experience. Edward Mwaura starts at loose head prop alongside the experienced Hillary Mwanjilwa who packs down at tight head.
Dan Angwech is back from injury and is fully fit to lead a potent backline consisting of Eric Cantona, Griffin Chao, Hillary Salano, Alvin Mutachi, Bede Enonda and Kenya U20 star James Olela.
Kisumu’s Moses Amonde leads a strong bench that will look to push the Cheetahs to the wire when called upon. Paywick Munoko, Walter Ambe and Javan Olando also make up the impact players list.
This one promises to be a cracker. The game will kick off at Noon due to the ongoing weather conditions. Entrance fee is only Ksh 500.
Cheetahs Starting Lineup
- Francis Orembe, 2. Celestine Mboi, 3. Destrerious Makenzi, 4. Ibraim Ayoo ©, 5. Clinton Juma, 6. Amos Nyamanya, 7. Felix Odhiambo, 8. Samuel Were, 9. Samson Onsomu, 10. Tony Owino, 11. Beldad Ogeta, 12. Chrispine Shitundo, 13. Tyson Maina, 14. Quinto Oongo, 15. Samuel Macharia
Bench
- Emmanuel Mboya, 17. Kevin Kiget, 18. Erick Miheso, 19. Nelson Tengeye, 20. Elkeans Mukamiti, 21. James Muthoni, 22. Javan Okwaro, 23. Barry Opondo
Buffaloes Starting Lineup
- Edward Mwaura 2. Gibson Perez, 3. Hillary Mwanjilwa, 4. Clinton Litali, 5. Thomas Simiyu, 6. Jacktone Omondi, 7. Collins Indeche, 8. Biden Hayo, 9. Dan Angwech, 10. Eric Cantona, 11. Griffin Chao, 12. Hillary Salano, 13. Alvin Mutachi, 14. Bede Enonda 15. James Olela
Bench
- Christopher Otieno, 17. Moses Amonde, 18. Javan Olando, 19. Paywick Munoko, 20. Fortune Arturo, 21. Walter Ambe 22. Roy Maruti 23. Victor Otieno
