Mijire set for debut as Simba XVs seek to clear Cranes bones

Kenya Simba XVs are purpose-set to clear the bones after de-feathering and subsequently mauling neighbours Uganda Cranes to romp to Elgon Cup glory on Saturday at Nairobi’s Rugby Football Union of East Africa Grounds.

Impala Saracens scrum-half, Ian Minjire, earned his maiden call up in the side that will enter the game with a healthy 48-10 from the first leg in Kampala but the Kenyans are under no illusions their archrivals will come to roll over.

“Ian has had a consistent season In the Kenya Cup, and the impressive performances really attracted us, and we are hoping he will reciprocate his fine form when he plays for the National side,” team manager, Wangila Simiyu, said Thursday during the team naming.

Stalwarts Fabian Olando and Darwin Mukidza are out due to injury but Simba’s den has ready replacements on the bench where victory coupled with the unlikely defeat of Namibia by relegation threatened Zimbabwe in Harare will open the door for Kenya to be crowned Confederation of Africa Rugby (CAR) Division 1 A champions.

Olando is nursing a thigh injury set to keep him out of action for five weeks while Mukidza, the hat-trick hero when Simbas tore Zimbabwe apart not recovering fast enough from his shoulder knock to make the team.

Patrice Agunda and Nick Barasa will take their place in South African coach; Jerome Paarwater’s side for the Uganda Cranes clash with Kenya seeking to bounce back from their 56-21 hiding at the hands of back-to-back CAR champions Namibia in their last outing.

“We hope the fans turn out in numbers to witness the weekend clash and we trust their support will play a big part in our hunt for glory,” team captain Brian Nyikuli said.

KENYA SQUAD AGAINST UGANDA

1. Moses Amusala -KCB
2. Sammy Warui – Top Fry Nakuru
3. Curtis Lilako – KCB
4. Ronnie Mwenesi – Nondescripts
5. Oliver Mang’eni- KCB
6. Brian Nyikuli – Strathmore Leos
7. Mike Okombe – Top Fry Nakuru
8. Tony Owuor – Strathmore Leos
9. Edwin Achayo – Kabras Sugar
10. Nato Simiyu – Impala Saracens
11. Patrice Agunda – Kenya Harlequins
12. Nick Barasa- Kabras Sugar
13. David Ambunya – Kenya Harlequins
14. Tony Onyango –Strathmore Leos
15. Ian Minjire – Impala Saracens
16. Peter Karia – KCB
17. Joseph Kang’ethe – Kenya Harlequins
18. James Kang’ethe – Kenya Harlequins
19. Simon Muniafu – Impala Saracens
20. Max Adaka- Kabras Sugar
21. Lyle Asiligwa – Kabras Sugar
22. Isaac Adimo – Kenya Harlequin
23. Innocent Simiyu – Impala Saracens