KCB have Amonde boost for Homeboyz clash

KCB RFC head coach Curtis Olago will count on the return of Andrew Amonde to boost his side’s quest to maintain their perfect start to the Kenya Cup season as they host Menengai Cream Homeboyz at Ruaraka Grounds on Saturday.

Amonde, who sustained injury during the Christie Sevens, returns to Olago’s fold after three months in the cold and having fully recovered from recovering from hernia surgery.

Coach Olago named Ahmed Shaban to replace Essau Otieno in the kicking duties while Brina Omondi comes in for Ken Moseti in the midfield.

Speedstar Jacob Ojee and Shujaa utility Arthur Ochieng will start as wingers at position 11 and 14 respectively as the dependable Darwin Mukidza settles at fullback.

Olago expressed confidence his team will floor their opponents and claim all the five points as they look to cement their place at the summit of the Kenya Cup log.

“The team is been working hard every day, with the technical bench trying different combinations to try and find the perfect one for our team,” he said.

Homeboyz, KCB and Kabras Sugar RFC are the only teams that boast 100 percent starts to their campaigns with Saturday’s clash in Ruaraka pitting top against second.

Amonde will lead a strong forward line that has a blend of experienced and upcoming players.

Tight head Salano Oscar, Karia Peter, Lilako Curtis, Mwita Francis  ,Ongeri Nick  Chenge Davis  and Waitere Peter will team up with the burly Andrew Amonde in the forwards.

The Bankers will be keen to avoid a repeat of last season disappointment at their home turf where Homebozy managed to edge out KCB 33-24.

KCB RFC SQUAD

1. Salano Oscar 2. Karia Peter 3. Lilako Curtis 4. Mwita Francis 5. Ongeri Nick 6. Chenge Davis 7. Waitere Peter 8. Amonde Andrew 9. Wanjala Michael 10. Ahmed Shaban 11. Ojee Jacob 12. Omondi Brian 13. Kilonzo Peter 14. Ochieng Arthur 15. Mukidza Darwin

 K’Opondo back for Harlequins

Meanwhile, Kenya Harlequins RFC have recalled Kenya Simbas duo of Wilson K’Opondo and Isaac Adimo ahead of their mouthwatering encounter against third-placed Kabras at the Kakamega Showground.

New signing Cyprian Kuto will debut for his new team after making a return to his old club during the summer.

Kuto will partner with Dennis Muhanji at the blind and open wings with the ever present Patrice “situational” Agunda will play at the inside centre helped by David Ambunya donning number 13.

Harlequins will be keen to end the Millers’ unbeaten streak as they seek to leapfrog the 2016 champions into third place at the least.

The Kang’ethe brothers will also feature for Harlequins as head coach David Nganga bolster his squad ahead of the rumble in Kakamega.

Simbas scrum half Lyle Asiligwa will take up the kicking duties partnering with his longtime teammate Isaac Adimo as they look to speed up the ball at the midfield area.

Brian Beckham will try to maintain his impressive performance before the festive that saw Harlequins win four games in a row and will be positioned at the fullback.

Eric Shikuku and new signing Alex Olaba will start from the bench and will be joined by tormentor in chief Malcolm Onsando and Ugandan Aaron Ofoyrwoth.

The Quins are placed fourth with 17 points, two behind Kabras.

HARLEQUINS SQUAD

1. Joseph Kangethe 2.Frank Kalwale 3.Paul Kioko 4.Wilson Kopondo 5.James Kangethe 6.Tony Mutai 7.Peter Misango 8.Ronald Musajja 9.Lyle Asiligwa 10.Isaac Adimo 11.Dennis Muhanji 12.Patrice Agunda 13.David Ambunya 14.Cyprian Kuto 15.Brian Beckham

KABRAS SUGAR SQUAD

1. Asuman Mugerwa 2. Colman Were 3. Steve Ochieng 4. Andrew Chogo 5. Hilary Odhiambo 6. George Nyambua 7. Kelvin Kabole 8. Max Adaka (C) 9. Dominic Osino 10. Kevin Keegan 11. Paul Abuto 12. Johnston Mungau 13. Fabian Olando 14. Felix Ayange (VC) 15. Andrew Gathua