Adimo out, Kilonzo, Musonye up for Simbas debuts

Adimo out, Kilonzo, Musonye up for Simbas debuts

The Kenya Sambas’ fly-half Isaac Adimo has been dropped from the national team by Head Coach Jerome Paarwater ahead of the forthcoming Hong Kong Cup of Nations.

Paarwater said the Kenya Harlequin ace was dropped on disciplinary grounds with Impala Saracens half-back Nato Simiyu drafted as his replacement, marking his return to the Simbas fold after a one-year absence.

Coach Paarwater acknowledged the absence of main culprit Adimo and other key players from his squad, citing indiscipline for chopping them off.

“We’re always shy away from disciplinary issues but I‘m not afraid to say he is out of the team because of he does not attend training and his discipline is wanting,” Paarwater said.

KCB’s Peter Kilonzo and Strathmore duo of Elkeans Musonye and Alex Olaba got nods for their first tour in a Simbas jersey and will be competing for starting roles.

“The debutants were always on training well ahead of others and more so they were the most disciplined of them all; we saw the need to reward them for their hard work,” he said.

Nondescripts fly-half Biko Adema who limped off injured during the Simbas 19-19 draw against Hong Kong in Nairobi on August 20 also returns.

Vice Captain Darwin Mukidza assured their fans that everything is set and are working hard to record positive results in their upcoming fixture.

“All systems are set, players have been in camp working hard and we know what will have to do to be able to qualify for the World Cup in Japan,” Mukidza said.

“Everyone is focused and hopefully we can improve as a team.”

Wilson K’pondo who was named captain will lead an experienced forwards line that includes Joshua Chisanga, Moses Amusala, Dennis Karani, Oliver Mang’eni and Peter Karia.

Vice-captain Mukidza will lead a well balanced back line of Nato, Vincent Mose, Jacob Ojee, David Ambunya, Biko Adema and Tony Onyango as they look to test the waters in unfamiliar ground.

The Simbas kick start their campaign with a clash against Chile on 10 November before playing Russia on 14 November, thereafter complete their fixtures against hosts Hong Kong on 18 November.

Forwards: Moses Amusala (KCB), Peter Karia (KCB), Curtis Lilako (KCB), Wilson K’opondo (SportPesa Quins/Captain), Oliver Mang’eni (KCB), George Nyambua (Kabras Sugar), Davis Chenge (KCB), Joshua Chisanga (Homeboyz), Philip Ikambili (Homeboyz), Oscar Simiyu (KCB), Dennis Karani (Resolution Impala Saracens), Erick Kerre (Resolution Impala Saracens), Martin Owillah (KCB), Elkeans Musonye (Strathmore Leos)

 

Backs: Samson Onsomu (Resolution Impala Saracens), Nato Simiyu (Resolution Impala Saracens), Jacob Ojee (KCB), Leo Owade (Resolution Impala Saracens), David Ambunya (SportPesa Quins), Darwin Mukidza (KCB), Vincent Mose (Resolution Impala Saracens), Lyle Asiligwa (SportPesa Quins), Biko Adema (Nondescripts), Alex Olaba (Strathmore Leos), Peter Kilonzo (KCB), Tony Onyango (Homeboyz)

 

Technical: Jerome Paarwater (Head Coach), Dominique Habimana (Assistant Coach), Richard Ochieng (Conditioning Coach), Levy Labeeb (High Performance Consultant), Chris Makachia (Physio), Simiyu Wangila (Team Manager)

Simbas fixtures:

V Chile – Friday 10 November, 12.00pm EAT

V Russia – Tuesday 14 November, 12.00pm EAT

V Hong Kong – Saturday 18 November, 12.00pm EAT

Tags:

Rugby Kenya Cup hong kong Jerome Paarwater Hong Kong Cup of Nations Isaac Adimo Peter Kilonzo

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