Odera backs young Simbas to catch Zimbabwe prey

Kenya Simbas head coach Paul Odera is adamant his youthful squad will deliver a positive result when they face Zimbabwe in their Victoria Cup showdown on Saturday.

Simbas lost the reverse clash 30-29 at Hartsfield Rugby grounds, Bulawayo last month and Odera’s charges will keen to hit back at the National Athletic Club in Nakuru.

Odera said that they expected to be consistent in squad selection but injuries and indiscipline had left him with a scope of fresh blood to choose from.

“The thing is if you get a group of young players, you get a lot of energy, but when you have experienced players they make better decisions.

“Our plan has been to try and get the balance of the intensity the young players bring and the experience and decision making that comes with the older players,” Odera said.

The match will be a dead rubber match since Zimbabwe has already won the Victoria Cup after defeating Uganda 32-26 in Bulawayo last month but according to Odera the match will be important to the Kenyan side.

“Every game is always important because Kenyans will come out and support the team and what we want is the team to play with pride and represent the country well.”

“So even if the Victoria Cup is lost, the Simba’s must always play with pride for the country and fans and that’s what you will see on Saturday,” he echoed.

Kenya lost the first leg against Zimbabwe 30-29 in Bulawayo.

“Our target is to win and rectify some forwards from the Zambian game and also went through our first leg against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo so as to get the best game plan to win tomorrow’s match,” alleged Odera.

The match will be played at 4:00 pm (EAT).