Simbas out to rattle the Sables and roar in Zimbabwe

Kenya 15s are out to rattle Zimbabwe Sables on Saturday in their Confederation of Africa Rugby (CAR) Division 1A clash with the Simbas out to atone for last year’s loss to their hosts and lay the groundwork to reclaim the title.

Namibia lifted the last two continental titles with Kenya on the hunt for a first CAR crown since 2011 as they begin their charge away in Harare against the team that edged them 20-28 last year.

Teenage Homeboyz RFC sensation, Kevin Masai is the trump card in Jerome Paarwater’s squad of 23 named in Nairobi on Wednesday and the youngster is hoping to make his Simbas debut against the Sables.

Impressive performances in the Kenya Cup earned the 19 year-old a place in the squad and the team manager of the team Wangila Simiyu believes the protégé gives them extra edge to defeat Zimbabwe.

“His understanding and reading of the game is very accurate and I believe he deserved a place in this squad to face Zimbabwe.

“His discipline and composure in the game makes his one of the best players in the squad and I think his ability can help the team in its CAR title conquest,” the official emphasized.

The teenage sensation will look forward to emulate Erik Keere and Simon Muniafu who have thrived in their debut year with the Simbas who warmed up for the clash with a rout of Uganda in an Elgon Cup clash in Kampala before shaving Brazil in an international Test that left them ranked 28th in the world.

“Keere and Muniafu made their senior debut early this year and their performances for the national team have been eye catching and we expect Masai to excel as well,” Wangila emphasised.

Max Adaka and veteran Innocent Simiyu made their return to the squad after injuries kept them out of Brazil clash and team captain Brian Nyikuli believes their return will serve as a major boost for the national side.

“Our weekend match will be tough and the return of key players will ease up the pressure as we gear to take on Zimbabwe,” said Nyikuli.

Four teams will play home or away matches with the winner to be declared African champion as the bottom team get relegated to Division 1B in 2017.

Second round of matches will see Simbas travel to Namibia on July 16 where the latter that boasts of the bulk of its squad playing in South Africa won 46-13 last season.

Zimbabwe will then host Uganda on July 23 before the final round of matches set for July 30 and August 6 where Kenya will entertain Uganda and Zimbabwe travel to Namibia.

SIMBAS SQUAD

Forwards

Moses Amusala , Curtis Lilako, Peter Karia (KCB), Sammy Warui, Mike Okombe (Top Fry), Brian Nyikuli, Tony Owuor (Pan Africa Strathmore leos) , James kang’ethe, Joseph Kang’ethe (Kenya Harlequin), Simon Muniafu, Eric Keere (Resolution Impala Saracens), Max Adaka (Kabras Sugar), Dan Sikuta (Mwamba).

BACKS

Edwin Achayo, Nick Barasa, Fabian Olando (Kabras Sugar), Isaac Adimo, David Ambunya, Dennis Muhanji (Kenya Harlequin), Kelvin Masai (Menengai Cream Homeboyz), Darwin Mukidza (KCB), Innocent Simiyu(Resolution Impala Saracens), Tony Onyango (Pan African Strathmore Leos).

Report by John Njuguna