Mang’eni keen to use past experience to propel Lions to success

Former Kenya Simbas lineouts master Oliver Mang’eni is optimistic that his past experience as a player will be crucial in propelling the Lions to greater heights in the upcoming Rugby Super Series.

The Lions franchise consists of KCB Rugby, Kenyatta University’s Blak Blad, Mwamba RFC, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), South Coast Pirates, and United States International (USIU) Martials. They will don green and black merchandise.

They will start their title hunt with a match against Rhinos scheduled for Saturday, 4 May at the Ruaraka Grounds in Nairobi.

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Speaking ahead of the match, Mang’eni noted that he prioritized the joy of the game above all else. He emphasizes to his players that each match was an opportunity to enjoy the sport they love.

“I am looking to develop and expose talents. That is my main goal. We want to make memories every time we play. I also want the players to have something to be proud of at the end of it all,” he started.

The former KCB’s lock was also excited that the Super Series would expose players to high-intensity competitions and provide coaches with a platform to choose the best players for the Simbas.

“The Rugby Super Series is a platform that gives the best players in all the clubs a chance to show what they are really made of. It also gives the selectors an avenue to look at different talents and combinations that would work well for the Simbas,” he offered.

He also expressed confidence in his squad, noting that most of his players were young bloods looking to take the rugby world by a storm.

He has included the services of Mwamba RFC captain Eliakim Kichoi, KCB Rugby’s halfback Brian Wahinya, Chipu’s forward Andycole Omollo, and former KCB’s player Nick Okullo.

Gabriel Namusasi, Elvis Namusasi, Emmanuel Opondo, Rugar Benjamin, Felix Ojow, Patrick Ouko, and James Ochieng are also part of the fire squad.

“As Lions, we have already made our selection and most of our players are young and looking to play for next decade. Having these young talents compete at an elite level prepares them for international rugby,” Mang’eni disclosed.

He is not new to the Rugby Super Series, having played for the Lions in 2012 when they lost to Rhinos 20-19 in the semifinals.

He then played for UAP Papa in 2013 under coach Paul Odera but they were eliminated by Ndovu in the semifinals. He will be keen to break the jinx with his new role.

Mang’eni has had a successful career as a rugby player; winning almost all titles a rugby player in the country could only dream of.

His glittering career also saw him travel all over the continent conquering African teams with the Kenya Simbas.

He then took up the role of lineout coach for his beloved KCB Rugby Club for the 2023/34 Kenya Cup season.

Lions squad for 2024 Rugby Super Series

Forwards: Oscar Simiyu, Nick Okullo, Wilhite Mususi, Patrick Ouko, Givens Oduor, Griffin Musila, James Ochieng, Emmanuel Silungi, Andycole Omolo, Collins Kabayo, Obat Kuke, Persian Kolian, Felix Ojow, Randy Wama, Eliakim Kichoi, Manasseh Oduor

Backs: Derrick Wechuli, Emmanuel Opondo, Derrick Masese, Brian Wahinya, Elvis Namusasi, Daniel Oyoo, Bob Muhati, Levy Amunga, Charles Tendwa, Gabriel Namusasi, Michael Wamalwa, Rugar Benjamin

Reserves: Randy Odhiambo, Newton Okeyo, Steve Odhiambo, Claude Nyamiro, Davies Masinga, Shuaib Wesonga, Shaddy Onyango

Coach: Oliver Mang’eni