T. NashipaeSimbas name 13 test debutants for Victoria Cup opener
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Reading Time: 3min | Tue. 31.10.23. | 13:07
In the absence of head coach Jerome Paarwater who is currently in Dubai with the Kenya Lionesses, his assistants call the shots
Kenya 15s national team, Simbas, will be looking to usher in November in style when they lock horns with Zambia in the first match of the Victoria Cup set for Wednesday, November 1, at the King's Park Arena in Uganda.
The side has not been in action since the Currie Cup fixtures in May. Simbas played five matches in the 2023 Currie Cup, winning two and losing three.
They beat Border Bulldogs (30–26) and Zimbabwe (48–7) and lost 33–22 to San Clemente Rhinos, 18–7 to Eastern Province, and 35–28 to Weltschitias of Namibia.
The Simbas failed to honor their final two matches against Valke and South West District Eagles (SWD) due to financial constraints.
The side that will be under the tutelage of Carlos Kaytwa and Curtis Olago arrived in Kampala on Monday, just in time for their opening match.
The duo will be in charge of the team in the absence of head coach Jerome Paarwater, who was in Dubai with the Kenya Lionesses.
The tacticians have included 13 debutantes in the Simbas squad to face Zambia
Paul Mutsami, Alfred Orege, Joel Inzuga, Hillary Mwanjilwa, Hibrahim Ayoo, Hillary Odhiambo, and Jeanson Misoga all make their test debuts after being named in the side to start.
Emmanuel Otieno, Thomas Okidia, Wilhite Mususi, Brian Ndirangu, Peter Waitere, and Dan Ang’wech are potentially in line for their test debuts after being named on the substitute’s bench for this tie.
Speaking on the upcoming crunch fixture, coach Kaytwa, who also doubles as the Kabras RFC coach, pointed out that his charges were well prepared.
He further noted that they will be picking up where they left off at the Currie Cup. The Simbas roared 48-7 past Zimbabwe in the last Currie Cup match played in Nakuru on May 20.
“We have prepared very sufficiently, very hard, but I think it is just a continuation of where we left off the last time we assembled. The guys are looking sharp, and this is our home away from home, so I think we have mentioned how we enjoy ourselves every time we come here on and off the field. The guys enjoy the culture here. When we came here, it was to make sure that our structure and everything we are building towards our main goal is still intact and our guys are ready." Kaytwa noted.
“We plan to play very well and execute all our structures. Our structures were put to the test in the Currie Cup last time we met as a group, and we have retained 95 percent of the guys except the ones we lost to the sevens because they are preparing for a different competition. My confidence is really on the fact that our continuity and we are getting backing from the union and that is why we are confident because knowing what they are capable of is another reinforcement for me," he averred.
The tournament will be making a comeback for the first time after a two-year hiatus.
Following the match against Zambia, the Simbas will return to action on November 5 against rivals Uganda at the King’s Park Arena.This match will serve as the first leg of the Elgon Cup.
They will then return to the country for the Elgon Cup return leg penciled for November 11, 2023, in Kisumu.
Simbas v Victoria Match Day Squad
15. Jone Kubu, 14. Joel Inzuga*, 13. Bryceson Adaka, 12. Paul Mutsami*, 11. Alfred Orege*, 10, Brian Wahinya (Vice Captain), 9. Barry Young, 1. Ephraim Oduor, 2. Teddy Akala, 3. Hillary Mwanjilwa*, 4. Hibrahim Ayoo*, 5. Hillary Odhiambo* 6. George Nyambua (Captain), 7. Elkeans Musonye, 8. Jeanson Misoga*
REPLACEMENTS 16. Emmanuel Otieno*, 17. Thomas Okidia*, 18. Wilhite Mususi*, 19, Brian Ndirangu*, 20. Peter Waitere*, 21. Dan Ang’wech*, 22. Derrick Ashiundu*, 23. Andrew Matoka
A test match in rugby union is an international match played between two senior national teams that is recognized as such by at least one of the teams’ national governing bodies.
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