Cheetahs itching for top of the table slot as Rugby Super Series enters round two

Menengai Cream Cheetahs will be aiming to defy the odds and move top of the table as the Rugby Super Series caravan heads to the City of Nakuru on Saturday, 11 May.

The Lawi Buyachi-coached side will be keen to maintain their winning streak. They head to the match fresh from defeating Kabras Sugar Buffaloes 18-5 in the opening round played at the RFUEA Grounds on Saturday 4.

They currently sit second on the standings with four points, a point behind their opponents Lions who top the log with five.

This time around, the competition is bolstered by a new sponsor; Jamii Telecom (JTL) who boosted it to an amount of Ksh 4 million.

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Ksh1.5 million will be given to the players as cash, while the remaining amount will be used for branding, internet connectivity, and merchandising.

Speaking to Mozzart Sport ahead of the crunch fixture, Buyachi was glad that his charges were enjoying home advantage this time round, counting on them to achieve greatness.

The tactician was optimistic that the fair weather would earn them maximum points. Last weekend’s matches were played on a muddy RFUEA Grounds, and the players found it difficult to execute their game plan.

“Coming from a fantastic outcome from spirited buffaloes, I believe the 23 players from match day one did justice to the jersey. They earned the right to be part of the campaign, and it was commendable. The playing conditions were horrendous last weekend, and we had to adjust quickly, I hope Nakuru will be better to allow us to employ our game plan and patterns,” he averred.

For Buyachi, guiding his team to a victory in the series will be the most satisfactory achievement. He noted that his aim was to contribute to the growth of rugby in every way possible.

“Guiding this ambitious young team gives me joy and a lot of hope for the future of our beautiful sport amidst the challenges. I just want to contribute to the growth of the sport in my own little ways,” he revealed.

With a large pool of players to choose from, Buyachi was glad that every player would get an opportunity to showcase their skills before a larger audience. He urged the fans to turn up in large numbers and cheer the boys.

“Our aim is to do a lot of rotation and balancing the playing minutes. We want to give every player chance to express themselves and enjoy the experience. Come out in large numbers and witness an entertaining, orgasmic day of rugby,” he called on.

The tactician has made only two personnel changes. Kenya Simbas utility back row Elkeans Mukamiti comes in for Samuel Were at the base of the scrum. In the backs, Buyachi has called on the services of Kenya U20 winger Alvin Khavoli who comes in for Samwel Macharia. Quinto Ongo moves from the right wing to full back to accommodate Khavoli.

Kenya U20 center Philip Otieno also comes into the squad but will have to settle for a slot in the bench. He is joined by Impala RFC captain Tyson Okoth as well as Emmanuel Mboya, Eric Miheso, Bryan Onyango, Nelson Tengeye and Macharia.

Meanwhile, Oliver Mang’eni makes a single change to his KCB Bank Lions side. Patrick Ouko comes into the starting line up in place of Wilhite Mususi. The rest of the squad remains the same.

Just like his fellow coaches, Mang’eni has enlisted the services of a Kenya U20 star, Andy Cole Omollo. Omollo joins James Ochieng’, Nicholas Okullo, Wilhite Mususi, Manasseh Oduor, Randy Wamah, Derrick Masese, and Charles Tendwa on the bench.

Faiba Mobile Rhinos on the other hand have made a total of six personnel changes to their starting lineup. Mohamed Khedir, John Aswani, Laban Kipsang’, Arnold Muita, Victor Odhiambo and Shem Okola all get a starting berth in place of Abel Matanda, Stanslous Shikoli, Barnabas Owuor, Ian Mumbwani, Zeden Marrow and Charles Odhiambo. Odhiambo drops to the bench.

Stand-in coach Callum Oliver has enlisted the services of Kenya U20 scrum half Patrick Wainaina who will look to make an impact from the bench. He is joined by Denis Tubei, Eric Shimoli, Raymond Chacha, Charlton Mokua, Bruce Odhiambo, Charles Odhiambo and Charles Omondi.

Both games will be played at the Nakuru Athletic Club.

Kabras Sugar Buffaloes Starting Lineup

Edward Mwaura, Geoffrey Shitambasi (C), Hillary Mwanjilwa, Hillary Odhiambo, Clinton Litali, Thomas Simiyu, Collins Indeche, Gabriel Adero, Collins Osore, Eric Cantona, Griffin Chao, Darrel Brantana, Hillary Salano, Brian Kiptanui, Samuel Omollo

Bench

Jeremy Odhiambo, Emmanuel Otieno, Darrel Oluoch, Andrew Wangila, Biden Hayo, Jacktone Omondi, Patrick Kluivert, David Williams

Faiba Mobile Rhinos Starting Lineup

Mohamed Khedir, Adam Mugo, Meshack Tunnech, Ryan Odua, John Aswani, Steven Odhiambo ©, Laban Kipsang, Sheldon Kahi, Arnold Muita, Evin Asena, Victor Odhiambo, Shem Okola. Paul Mutsami, Matoka Matoka, Harmony Wamalwa

Bench

Dennis Tuibei, Eric Shimoli, Raymond Chacha, Charlton Mokua, Patrick Wainaina, Bruce Odhiambo, Charles Odhiambo, Charles Omondi

Menengai Cream Cheetahs Starting Lineup

Francis Orembe, Celestine Mboi, Desterious Makenzi, Ibrahim Ayoo , Clinton Juma, Amos Nyamanya, Felix Odhiambo, Elkeans Mukamiti, Samson Onsomu, Tonny Owino, Beldad Ogeta, Chrispine Shitundo, Tyson Maina, Alvin Khavoli, Quinto Ongo

Bench

Emmanuel Mboya, Eric Miheso, Bryan Onyango, Nelson Tengeye, Tyson Okoth, Philip Otieno, Samuel Macharia

KCB Bank Lions Starting Lineup

Oscar Simiyu, Givens Oduor, Patrick Ouko, Collins Kubayo, Emmanuel Silungi, Eliakim Kichoi, Obat Kuke ©, Felix Ojoo, Emmanuel Opondo, Elvis Namusasi, Derrick Wechuli, Bob Muhati, Levi Amunga ©, Davies Masinga, Benjamin Rugar

Bench

James Ochieng’, Nicholas Okullo, Wilhite Mususi, Andy Cole Omollo, Manasseh Oduor, Randy Wamah, Derrick Masese, Charles Tendwa