Three new faces in Kenya Simbas squad to face Uganda in Elgon Cup return leg
Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 13.11.24. | 11:36
Menengai Oilers’ speedsters Beldad Ogeta and Teddy Akala are the new faces in the travelling party
South African-born Ntabeni Dukisa has been overlooked in the 25-man Kenya Simbas squad that will be on duty for the return leg of the Elgon Cup slated for Kings Park, Uganda on Saturday 16 November.
The team is also missing the services of Blak Blad’s Obat Kuke who started from the bench in last week’s clash. He will fail to feature in the high-stakes match due to school commitments. Hillary Mwanjilwa has been brought in to replace him.
Menengai Oilers’ speedsters Beldad Ogeta and Teddy Akala are the new faces in the travelling party.
The Simbas will be looking to go a step higher following their hard-earned 27-25 victory over Uganda Cranes during the opening leg played on Saturday 9 November at the RFUEA Grounds.
The team headed for a two-day camp on Sunday 10 November in Kakamega in preparation for the return leg.
The camp ended on Tuesday afternoon following their last session after which the team started their journey to Kampala.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Elgon Cup, named after Mount Elgon, which straddles the Kenya-Uganda border. The Cup is a two-legged, home-and-away series, with the aggregate winner lifting the trophy.
The first official Elgon Cup match between Kenya and Uganda was staged in Nairobi on July 31, 2004, where Kenya won 18-8.
However, Kenya and Uganda’s rugby rivalry dates back to May 24, 1958, when they first clashed in Kampala, with the Simbas taking a 21-11 win. After a long break, they met again in 1997, when Kenya dominated 65-8 at RFUEA Grounds.
In their 43 meetings, Kenya has won 28 matches, Uganda has claimed 14 victories and two games have ended in draws.
Kenya Simbas travelling team to Uganda for Elgon Cup:
Ephraim Oduor (Kabras Sugar RFC), Edward Mwaura (Kabras Sugar RFC), Eugene Sifuna (Kabras Sugar RFC), Griffin Musila (KCB RC), Wilhite Mususi (KCB RC), Hillary Mwanjilwa (Kabras Sugar RFC), Ibrahim Ayoo (Menengai Oilers), Hilary Odhiambo (Kabras Sugar RFC), Griffin Chao (Kabras Sugar RFC), George Nyambua (Kabras Sugar RFC), Jeanson Misoga (Kabras Sugar RFC), Elkeans Musonye (Menengai Oilers), Brian Wahinya (KCB RC), Samson Onsomu (Menengai Oilers), Barry Young (Kabras Sugar RFC), Beldad Ogeta (Menengai Oilers), Andycole Omolo (KCB RC), Walter Okoth (Kabras Sugar RFC), Paul Mutsami (Kenya Harlequin), Jone Kubu (Kabras Sugar RFC), Emmanuel Silungi (KCB RC), Timothy Omela (Menengai Oilers), Alfred Orege (Kabras Sugar RFC), Teddy Akala(Kabras Sugar RFC), Tyson Maina (KCB RC).
Management: Jerome Paarwater (Head Coach), Carlos Katywa(Assistant. Coach), Jimmy Mnene (Team Manager), Joseph Guchu (Assistant. Team Manager), Steve Mankone (Physiotherapist), Richard Ochieng (Strength & Conditioning Coach).
