Kerre, Muniafu in maiden Kenya 15s call-ups

Resolution Impala Saracens duo of Eric Kerre and Simon Muniafu are set to earn their first international caps after being named in the national 15s side Simba squad to face Uganda in the first leg of Elgon Cup at Legends Rugby Club in Kampala, Uganda on Saturday.

Coach Jerome Paarwater included veterans Nato Simiyu, Dennis Karani, Patrice Agunda, Dan Sikula, Innocent Simiyu and David Amburya who had not earned a call up under the coach since he took over in 2013.

“We hope to see more young players in our ranks and we seek to give call ups to new faces in every major tournaments that take place,” Kenya Rugby Union CEO Ronald Bukusi said at the naming of the team on Tuesday.

Uganda are the Elgon Cup holders after overturning a 17-20 first leg defeat in Nairobi with a 30-25 victory in Kampala with Simbas keen on reclaiming the crown.

“The National 15’s side has a busy program ahead of them where Kenya will compete in the Africa Cup after which Kenya will have an uphill task away to Brazil and a home clash against Hong Kong in August,” the CEO added.

“It is my hope that the players gain as much mental strength as possible before this tournament In Kampala to have higher chances of beating the Cranes,” Bukusi rallied.

Simbas were urged to be extra motivated to win in tribute to the departed coach Eric Situma who passed away on Monday morning while undergoing treatment at Nairobi’s Aga Khan Hospital.

SQUAD

Edwin Achayo and Nick Barasa (Kabras Sugar), Lyle Asiligwa, Isaac Adimo, David Ambunya and Dennis Muhanji (Quins), Darwin Mukidza (KCB), Nato Simiyu, Vincent Mose and Tony Onyango (Resolution Impala Saracens).

Forwards : Moses Amusala, Curtis Lilako, Peter Karia and Oliver Mang’eni (KCB), brothers Joseph Kang’ethe and James Kang’ethe (Quins), Sammy Warui (Top Fry Nakuru), Simon Muniafu, Eric Kerre (Resolution Impala Saracens).

backrow : Brian Nyikuli, Tony Owuor (Pan Africa Strathmore Leos), Mike Okombe (Top Fry Nakuru), Max Adaka (Kabras Sugar), Dan Sikuta (Mwamba RFC).

Report by John Njuguna