Rugby Africa Cup: Nyambua eager to mark milestone in style as Simbas face Namibia
Reading Time: 3min | Sun. 28.07.24. | 12:40
The last time Kenya played Namibia was during the Africa Cup final-cum -Rugby World Cup qualifier in France, where Kenyans lost 36-0 allowing the Southern Africans to seal the automatic ticket to the 2023 Rugby World Cup
Kenya 15s national team; Simbas are set to play arch-rivals Namibia in the 2024 Rugby Africa Cup third-place playoff slated for Sunday, July 28 at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Uganda.
The team’s captain George Nyambua has dropped to the bench but if he steps on the pitch today, he will mark his 40th cap with the team.
That will see him join the likes of Joel Ng’ang’a and Darwin Mukidza who have achieved such a feat with the team.
Speaking ahead of the match, the hard-hitting backrower who plays for Kabras RFC is delighted with the milestone, promising to mark it in style with a win over Namibia.
Nyambua made his debut for the Simbas in 2017 and has been a key player in the team a decade later.
“I am happy and humble at the same time. I want to thank God for this far. I want to thank all the Kenya Rugby supporters for their support thus far. I want to make my 40th cap memorable by beating Namibia. It is not a coincidence. I want to break that jinx. The boys are in high spirits and they have been putting in the work,” he offered.
Coach Jerome Paarwater has made significant changes to his starting lineup.
Nyambua's place has been taken by has been taken up by Clinton Odhiambo, who will start as the left flanker, while Obat Kuke has been handed his first-ever Simbas start on the right flank.
Elkeans Musonye comes in at number 8, replacing Jeanson Misoga.
Thomas Okeyo has shifted to the second row from the back row. He will partner with Malcolm Onsandi, who will captain the side.
The front row is entirely changed with Edward Mwaura, Griffin Musila, and Wilhite Mususi coming in. Eugene Sifuna, Ephraim Oduor, and Hillary Mwanjilwa have dropped to the bench.
Michael Wanjala and Abutwalib Wesonga comes in at halfback, with Sam Onsomu dropping to the bench and Barry Robinson moving to fullback.
Beldad Ogeta is on the right wing, while Alfred Orege is on the open side. Derrick Ashihundu is benched, and Timothy Omela is out of the squad.
Bryceson Adaka has been ruled out after failing to pass a medical assessment with Richel Wangila set to start at the outside centre. Pau Mutsami comes in place of Walter Okoth.
The last time Kenya played Namibia was during the Africa Cup final-cum -Rugby World Cup qualifier in France, where Kenyans lost 36-0 allowing the Southern Africans to seal the automatic ticket to the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Kenya Simbas squad
1.Edward Mwaura (Kabras Sugar RFC) 2. Griffin Musila (KCB RC) 3. Wilhite Mususi (KCB RC) 4. Thomas Okeyo (Griffons RFC) 5. Malcolm Onsando – C (Timisoara RC) 6. Clinton Odhiambo (Menengai Oilers) 7. Obat Kuke *(KU Blak Blad) 8. Elkeans Musonye (Menengai Oilers) 9. Michael Wanjala (KCB RC) 10. Abutwalib Wesonga (Menengai Oilers) 11. Alfred Orege (Kabras Sugar RFC) 12. Paul Mutsami (Kenya Harlequin RC) 13. Richel Wangila (Kenya Harlequin) 14. Beldad Ogeta (Menengai Oilers) 15. Barry Robinson – VC (Kabras Sugar RFC)
16. Eugene Sifuna (Kabras Sugar RFC) 17. Ephraim Oduor (Kabras Sugar RFC) 18. Hillary Mwanjilwa (Kabras Sugar RFC) 19. Ibrahim Ayoo (Menengai Oilers) 20. Hilary Odhiambo (Kabras Sugar RFC) 21. George Nyambua (Kabras Sugar RFC) 22. Samson Onsomu (Menengai Oilers) 23. Derrick Ashihundu (Kabras Sugar RFC)
