Two maiden call ups as Odera names Simbas training squad

National 15's Rugby Head Coach Paul Odera has handed two players their maiden call-ups as he named a forty-man squad for the Kenya Simbas November fixtures in South Africa next month.

Strathmore Leo's Bethuel Anami and Mwamba's George Omolla will be seeking to impress the head coach during the training period and a national debut could be on the cards for them in the event that they make it to the final squad.

Speaking on the selection, Odera told KRU that they picked some of the players based on their performance against Zambia and picked others based on their performance in the Kenya Cup.

“We based selection on footage and data from players who played really well against Zambia in the last test; the wider training squad; the overseas-based players and a few others who may have stood out in the Kenya Cup season and may have missed out on selection earlier in the year,” Odera said.

Simbas will play Currie Cup select on 6th November before meeting Namibia, Brazil, and Zimbabwe in the Stellenbosch Quadrangular Tournament from 14th November and an international friendly in Bloemfontein on 25th November against an opponent yet to be confirmed and Odera is looking forward to the matches.

“These tests will be crucial in helping us prepare for the qualifiers next year. Playing matches against quality opposition is valuable in High Performance environments,” he added.

The Stellenbosch Quadrangular will be played on a knockout basis with direct semifinals on 14th November with the placing playoff and final on 20th November.

Simbas November itinerary as provided by KRU

6th November 2021 – Carling Champions Match, Pretoria – vs Currie Cup Select

14th November 2021 – Stellenbosch Quadrangular, Stellenbosch – vs Namibia (Direct Semi-Final)

20th November 2021 – Stellenbosch Quadrangular, Stellenbosch – vs TBC

25th November 2021 – International Friendly, Bloemfontein – TBC

Simbas Training Squad

Forwards: Ian Njenga (Nondescripts), Nesta Okotch (Impala Saracens), Joseph Odero (Kabras Sugar), Eugene Sifuna (Kabras Sugar), Griffin Musila (KCB), Boniface Ochieng (Kenya Harlequin), Ephraim Oduor (Kabras Sugar), Patrick Ouko (KCB), Melvin Thairu (Kenya Harlequin), George Nyambua (Kabras Sugar), Thomas Okeyo (Nakuru), Emmanuel Silungi (Homeboyz), Brian Juma (Kabras Sugar), Joshua Chisanga (Kenya Harlequin), Bethwel Anami (Strathmore Leos), George Omolla (Mwamba), Dan Sikuta (Kabras Sugar), Brian Amaitsa (Nondescripts), Fidel Oloo (Nondescripts), Steve Sakari (Mwamba), Elkeans Musonye (Impala Saracens), Tony Owuor (Mwamba)

Backs: Samson Onsomu (Impala Saracens), Barry Robinson (Kabras Sugar), Brian Wahinya (Blak Blad), Jone Kubu (Kabras Sugar), Charles Kuka (Mwamba), Brian Tanga (Kabras Sugar), Timothy Okwemba (Menengai Oilers), Derrick Ashiundu (Kabras Sugar), John Okoth (Nakuru), Vincent Onyala (KCB), Samuel Asati (KCB), Peter Kilonzo (KCB), Darwin Mukidza (KCB), Michael Kimwele (KCB), Jacob Ojee (KCB), Isaac Njoroge (KCB), Anthony Odhiambo (Impala Saracens), Andrew Matoka (Strathmore Leos)