The Kenya Simbas take on Boland Cavaliers on Saturday 21st May in South Africa, the match will be played at the Boland Stadium, in Wellington, Western Cape.
“This match vs Boland is exciting on a number of levels for the team as people are being given an opportunity to show that they can step up and play well at this level. Patrick Ouko shifts to loosehead prop as a starter and we are fortunate that we have such a versatile front row. At the second row we have the same pairing of Thomas Okeyo and Brian Juma who were solid and powerful in the last match,” said Paul Odera, the Simbas Head Coach.
George Nyambua is back to the starting lineup after his heel injury that kept him out for 3 weeks. He is a great addition to the team and adds the leadership qualities that will be needed on the field. Bethwel Anami retains his place at Number 8 after an outstanding performance against the Bulldogs two weeks ago.
“Our half-back pairing of Samuel Asati and Brian Wahinya is exciting and both are young and adventurous. Wahinya will be running the game from 10 and with Asati given the responsibility of being Vice Captain, it is an experiment we are sure will add a cutting edge to how the Simbas play. Andrew Matoka at Full back is another exciting prospect and Darwin Mukidza is rested as we try and manage our senior players for the rest of the tournament and also keeping one eye on the Match vs Uganda on the 2nd of July in the World Cup qualifiers,” added Odera.
“Beldad Ogeta at the wing has the potential to break open defenses at will and he has been brought in for his running ability and power.”
“The players and team are really looking forward to the match tomorrow, at least it is only an hour or so by bus, unlike the sixteen-hour drive during our last game. The team is building nicely and this exposure and training sessions have seen weekly progress and in every match, the numbers keep getting better. We’re very pleased with the progress we are making,” he concluded.
The match kicks off at 4:00pm EAT and will be aired live here: https://youtu.be/UAo1MIKe648
The Simbas squad facing Boland Cavaliers: 1. Patrick Ouko, 2. Eugene Sifuna, 3. Ephraim Oduor, 4. Thomas Ongera, 5. Brian Juma, 6. George Nyambua, 7. Daniel Sikuta, 8. Bethuel Anami, 9. Samuel Asati, 10. Brian Wahinya, 11. Beldad Ogeta, 12. John Okoth, 13. Vincent Onyala, 14. Derrick Ashihundu, 15. Andrew Matoka.
Reserves: 16. Colman Were, 17. Edward Mwaura, 18. Joseph Nyagol, 19. Clinton Odhiambo, 20. Chrispine Shitundo, 21. Brian Tanga, 22. Geoffrey Ominde, 23. Peter Kilonzo
