The Kenya squads to take on Uganda in the 2014 edition of the Elgon Cup were announced earlier today. The most exciting part about this year’s competition is the addition of an under 19 category for the first time.
The 10th edition of the Elgon cup will probably be the most diluted in the tournament’s history, after the neighbours took contrasting paths in the past year. While Kenya were on the brink of world cup qualification, Ugandans were licking their wounds after being relegated to division 1C, the lowest in the top fight.
The women’s category will most likely be the highlight of this year’s tournament, with the sides seeing little action since last year’s edition. The newly introduced U-19 category looks set to be a cracker, the Kenyan lads coming in as favourites after finishing second in the Division 1A championships in August 2013.
Kenya A
The defending champions named a strong ‘Kenya A’ side to go for the seventh Elgon Cup title. The side which will be coached by Dominique ‘Papa’ Habimana features only two names that won the title last year in Kampala.
Isaac Adimo and Dennis Karani who were part of the team that lifted the Elgon cup title last year return to national duty after long injury lay offs. Adimo back in the fray after an injury sustained in the team’s campaign at the Vodacom Cup, with Karani back in national colours for the first time this year.
The squad strikes the perfect balance between experience and youth with the likes of Nato Simiyu, Leon Adongo, Fabian Olando, Kelvin Omiyo and Eden Agero who are not new to national duty.
To the likes of Peter Karia and Malcolm Onsando who are still eligible to play in the U-19 side, Jacob Ojee, Brian Sagara, Andrew Chogo, Malcolm Onsando, Anthony Orege and Dennis Mukabi. Andrew Chongo who featured in the Kifaru franchise plays his rugby for the Technical University of Kenya, I don’t think he will be there for long after impressing many.
It is a great looking squad that should be able to get the job done here, with the side carrying a heavy Nakuru RFC presence in crucial areas. Giles Littlewood will have to lead in the front row with Edwin Makori, Dalmas Chituyi and Phillip Owuor in the locks and back row.
Fabian Olando and Kelvin Omiyo look set to start as the centre pairing with either Nato, Agero or Adimo at fly half. Adimo can also be deployed at full back, with Ojee and Calvin Otieno also primed for that spot.
The side will be going for Kenya’s first back to back win in Uganda after winning 19-13 here last year to lift the title. If they do win on Saturday, it will be the first time a side has claimed back to back wins on foreign soil in the Elgon Cup.
Here is the squad in full :
Giles Littlewood, Peter Karia, Anthony Orege, Andrew Chogo, Malcolm Onsando, Philip Owuor, Edwins Makori, Dalmus Chituyi, George Mutuku, Isaac Adimo, Leon Adongo, Kelvin Omiyo, Fabian Olando, Godfrey Mbeya, Jacob Ojee, Dennis Mukabi, Ezra Lagat, Dennis Karani, Brian Sagara, Elkins Musonye, Eden Agero, Nato Simiyu, Calvin Otieno.
Kenya Lionesses
The Lionesses will be looking to reclaim the title after narrowly losing out last year, and Head coach Enos Otieno has named a strong squad towards that end. The side has seen illustrious steps made in the shorter version, and will now look to make the same in the 15s.
The squad to Kampala features more or less the same faces that lost 30-26 on aggregate last year. A most notable absentee though is Philadelphia Olando who will not make the trip to Kampala but should be back for the return leg. Doreen Remour continues to captain the side which includes Keziah Achieng, Gentrix Mwalo, Celestine Masinde, Rosehilda Kamanga and the exciting Irene Awino.
The absence of Philla will be a big blow to the Lionesses but they should have enough cover. Looking over to the Lady Cranes they will be without Helen Buteme, who recently announced her retirement, she has been an outstanding performer over the years. Her absence should even out things here in the first leg.
The Lionesses will be out for revenge after losing 13-8 here last year, to relinquish the Elgon cup.
Keziah Achieng, Rosehilda Kamanga, Emily- Achieng, Rachael Adhiambo, Millicent Opala, Stacey Awuor, Camilyn Oyuayo, Mary Otieno, Mary Musieka, Doreen Remour, Linda Nanda, Janet Owino, Celestine Masinde, Janet Okello, Irene Awino, Janet Midecha, Winnie Naima, Clementina Atieno, Sheila Chajira, Dorcas Ocholi, Gentrix Mwalo, Evelyne Odero, Linet Moraa.
Chipu
The Chipu will be taking their first bow in the Elgon Cup and will be out to make it a memorable one. The side which finished second in the CAR division 1A championships will be favourites here.
The side selected here led by the likes of Marlin Mukolwe, Felix Ojow and Meshack Tunnechi who featured in the side that beat Zimbabwe 29-20 last year. They are joined by Kelvin Masai who led Laiser Hill Academy to their first Prescott cup last week, Simon Muniafu and Nelson Sungura.
The squad in full :
Meshack Tunnechi, Joseph Amalemba, Kelvin Okal, Herman Humwa, Simon Muniafu, John Paul Muriuki, Felix Ojow, Warren Nyanjom, Marlin Mukolwe, Kelvin Masai, Nelson Sungura, Jeff Oluoch, Alex Olaba, Edgar Khafumi, Hosea Nyerere, Jimmy Mwangi, Daniel Ndome, Tyson Okoth, Keith Wasike, Victor Shigholi, Longinus Okumu, John Oduk, Ian Omondi.
KWISHA…Nimeruka Nje!!
