Lilako starts, Ojee fit as Simbas head to Zimbabwe

Curtis Lilako has been handed a start as the Simbas face Zimbabwe in Rugby Africa Gold Cup action at the Hartsfield Stadium in Bulawayo on Saturday 22 July 2017.

Lilako replaces Dennis Karani who has been knocked out of the travelling party due to academic commitments.

Bramwell Mayaka is reinstated to the match day 23, coming in as front row cover for Karani who has been an ever present fixture for the Simbas this season.

Mayaka was last in action in the 30-29 loss to Germany at the RFUEA in May 27.

“We like that Bramwell comes in with youth and aggression,” Forwards Coach Dominique Habimana said.

Commenting on the team’s preparations, Habimana said, “We have rectified a few areas of concern…we are working towards a faster…more positive game.”

Jacob Ojee is available for selection after being passed fit. The winger was substituted during the first half of last weekend’s clash against Senegal but has since recovered sufficiently to return to the team. “We are happy that Jacob is at 100 percent, “ said Habimana.

Meanwhile, lock Oliver Mang’eni will link up with the side for the Namibia clash. Mang’eni missed the last two fixtures against Tunisia and Senegal due to personal and work commitments.

The team departs for Bulawayo via Harare at 7.00am on Thursday morning.

Simbas squad to face Zimbabwe

15.Tony Onyango(Menengai Cream Homeboyz), 14. Darwin Mukidza (KCB), 13. David Ambunya(SportPesa Quins), 12. Leo Seje(Resolution Impala Saracens), 11. Jacob Ojee (KCB), 10. Isaac Adimo(SportPesa Quins), 9. Samson Onsomu(Resolution Impala Saracens), 1. Moses Amusala(KCB), 2. Peter Karia(KCB), 3. Curtis Lilako(KCB), 4. Wilson Kopondo (SportPesa Quins,Captain), 5. Simon Muniafu(Resolution Impala Saracens), 6. Eric Kerre( Resolution Impala Saracens), 7. Davis Chenge (KCB), 8. Joshua Chisanga (Newcastle Falcons)

Replacements 16. Philip Ikambili (Menengai Cream Homeboyz), 17. Oscar Simiyu (KCB), 18. Bramwell Mayaka (Menengai Cream Homeboyz), 19. George Nyambua (Kabras Sugar), 20. Martin Owila (KCB), 21. Lyle Asiligwa (SportPesa Quins), 22. Kenny Andola (KCB), 23. Dennis Muhanji (SportPesa Quins)

Management: Jerome Paarwater (Head Coach), Dominique Habimana (Forwards Coach), Charles Ngovi (Backs Coach), Richard Ochieng’ (Strength & Conditioning Coach), Chris Makachia (Physio), Simiyu Wangila ( Team Manager)

-Report by KRU