It’s finally here, this weekend the Tusker Simba XVs will get their long awaited Vodacom Cup campaign under way against the EP Kings.
The side that arrived in Cape Town on Monday will be taking on last year’s Semi finalists at the City Park Stadium. The 4’O clock kick off will be a historic moment for the sport in the country and though we will not be able to watch in on TV, rugby lovers will flock social media to follow the proceedings.
The EP Kings will have a point to prove in this one after losing heavily in their last pre season match against the Griquas. In their defence the Eastern Province Kings fielded a pretty young side.
For this one head coach Mzwandile Stick notably recalled Soyizwapi and Van Breda to his starting side. Last year the Kings finished 3rd in this conference, picking up 5 wins from 7, one loss and one draw. That Draw coming in their opening fixture against Pampas XVs.
Speaking while unveiling his squad, Mr Stick (who is not knew to many rugby fans after playing for the Blitz Bokke in 2009) noted that they will be weary of the Kenyan side and expects a tough challenge from their opposition.
Tusker Simba XV team manager Wangila Simiyu on his part said that the team is ready for the challenge. “We are raring to go and test ourselves against quality opposition.We look forward to a great game and posting a positive result.”
For the opening fixture, the technical bench has stuck to largely the same side that has done duty over the last few months. The Kangethe twins start at the front with Max Adaka starting at hooker.
Captain Wilson Kopondo pairs with Oliver Mangeni in the familiar second row pairing, Okombe, Nyikuli and Chisanga earning their spots in the back row. Vice captain Ken Andola leads the back line and will be alongside Edwin Achayo in the regular half back duo.
Nick Baraza and Fabian Olando will hold the midfield in what promises to be an explosive pairing with Dennis Muhanji, Isaac Adimo and Leonard Mugaisi in the back three. An exciting squad that will be sure to put up a great fight here. The midfield pairing of Baraza and Olando with Mugaisi on the outside will definitely cause the defence trouble.
The forwards also look formidable with the Kangethe twins, Chisanga and Kopondo expected to be the ball carriers. In reality we will be playing with 4 back rows, Max Adaka adding to the mobility of the forwards. The hooker is also a great ball fetcher who will aid Okombe and Nyikuli in that front. The towering Oliver Mangeni will give us an upper hand in the line out.
The Bench with the likes of Moses Amusala, Tony Mutai, Davis Chenge, Darwin Mukidza and Eden Agero will be looked at to step things up in the second half.
EP Kings: 15 Siviwe Soyizwapi, 14 Eben Barnard, 13 Scott Van Breda, 12 Tiger Mangweni, 11 Lance Louw, 10 Ntabeni Dukisa, 9 Kelvano King, 8 Stephan Zaayman, 7 Claude Tshibidi, 6 Thembelani Bholi, 5 Brendan Hector, 4 Kuhle Sonkosi, 3 Vukile Sofisa, 2 Albe de Swardt, 1 Brendon Olivier.
16 Tabbie du Plessis, 17 Pieter Stemmet, 18 Tyler Paul, 19 Siphesihle Phunguzwa, 20 Dwayne Kelly, 21 Brian Skosana, 22 Selwyn David.
Tusker Simba XV: 1. Joseph Kangethe, 2. Maxwell Adaka, 3. James Kangethe, 4. Oliver Mangeni, 5. Wilson Kopondo, 6. Michael Okombe, 7. Brian Nyikuli, 8. Joshua Chisanga, 9. Edwin Achayo, 10. Kennedy Andola, 11. Dennis Muhanji, 12. Nicholas Barasa, 13. Fabian Olando, 14. Leonard Mugaisi, 15. Isaac Adimo.
16. Edward Oseko, 17. Moses Amusala, 18. Antony Mutai, 19. Davis Chenge, 20. Lyle Asiligwa, 21. Eden Agero, 22. Darwin Mukidza, 23. Duncan Mwangi
KWISHA…Nimeruka Nje!!!
