After mixed results from the first leg in Kampala the Kenya sides have seen a few changes ahead of the return leg in the capital.
Of the three sides, only the Lionesses registered a win in Kampala, a resounding 33-15 result that should all but hand them this year’s title. It could still be a clean sweep for Kenya as the two other sides only registered narrow losses, 21-14 for the Kenya A and 15-10 for the Chipu.
Kenya A
Eden Agero, Brian Sagara and Nato Simiyu claim starting berths at the RFUEA, in the only changes to the starting side that played in Kampala. Agero comes on for George Mutuku who drops out of the squad completely and is replaced by Felix Wanjala.
Nato Simiyu starts at full back in place of Jacob Ojee who drops to the bench. Other changes see Ken Moseti, Isaiah Nyariki, Victor Brown and Rocky Aguko get places on the bench.
Agero should add an extra dimmension to our attack, especially off the base, he should have no problem linking up with his Quins mate Isaac Adimo. The experienced Nato Simiyu, will be dangerous going forward and give us great territory from his boot.
Brian Sagara is the only change in the forwards, the lanky forward joining captain Edwins Makori and Dalmas Chituyi in the back row. His addition gives us another option at the line outs, he also has a knack for the dirty work at the break down.
The ideal situation here would be getting in the points early and then playing with as little pressure as possible. This side should have enough in the bag to overturn the seven point deficit, having already seen what the Cranes are capable of.
Ken Moseti will be an exciting prospect off the bench, the explosive centre will be itching to get his debut alongside the likes of Victor Brown, back row Rocky Aguko and scrum half Felix Wanjala. Dennis Karani and Isaiah Nyariki at front row offer a load of experience.
Giles Littlewood, Peter Karia, Anthony Orege, Philip Owuor, Malcolm Onsando, Brian Sagara, Edwins Makori, Dalmas Chituyi, Eden Agero, Isaac Adimo, Leon Adongo, Kelvin Omiyo, Fabian Olando, Godfrey Mbeya, Nato Simiyu.
Ezra Lagat, Dennis Karani, Isaiah Nyariki, Victor Brown, Rocky Aguko, Felix Wanjala, Ken Moseti, Jacob Ojee.
Kenya Lionesses
Despite the big win in Kampala, the Lionesses bring in four new faces, most notable being the return of influential centre Philladelphia Olando.
Dorcas Ocholi comes in at front row, with Janet Awuor slotting in at blind side wing, Laventer Ogutu earns a slot at the bench. The ladies have an 18 point cushion and will definitely be looking to pile up those points and reclaim the title in style.
Watch out for the half back combination of Mary Musieka and captain Doreen Remour, with Phila linking up with Celest for an all too familiar centre field pairing, with Irene Atieno at full back.
Emily Achieng Oloo, Rosehilda Kamanga, Dorcas Ocholi, Millicent Opala, Racheal Odhiambo, Stacey Awuor, Camilyne Oyuayo, Mary Otieno, Mary Musieka, Doreen Remour, Janet Awuor, Philladelphia Olando, Celestine Masinde, Janet Akello, Irene Atieno.
Janet Midecha, Laventer Ogutu, Clementina Atieno, Sheila Chagira, Evelyn Odero, Linda Nandwa, Gentrix Mwaro, Linet Moraa.
Chipu
With a five point deficit to overturn, head coach Paul Murunga has made a total of eight changes to the side that travelled to Kampala. Most notable are Oscar Simiyu at the front row, Billy Isabwa at Fly half and Michael Wanjala at full back.
Philip Ikambili joins the trio, starting at the back row, Luka Omoti, Daniel Abuoji, Kanyiri Kariuki and Gregory Ochieng start from the bench.
The side will have to make a big start here, similar to the senior side, Marlin Mulokwe should be comfortable with club mate Billy Isabwa at half back, with Michael Wanjala an exciting prospect at full back.
Oscar Simiyu who was part of the side that finished second in Africa, should stabilise things at the front. His addition now means the starting fifteen has five faces that featured in Nelspruit in August. The five will be vital to the side’s fortunes on Saturday.
Meshack Tunnechi, Joseph Amalemba, Oscar Simiyu, Simon Muniafu, Herman Humwa, Philip Ikambili, Felix Ojow, Warren Nyanjom, Marlin Mukolwe, Billy Isabwa, Alex Olaba, Jeffrey Oluoch, Nelson Sankura, Edgar Khafumi, Michael Wanjala.
Jimmy Mwangi, Luka Omoti, Tyson Okoth, Keith Wasike, Daniel Abuoji, Kanyiri Kariuki, Gregory Ochieng, Daniel Ndome.
The order of play on Saturday :
12: 00 – Kenya U-19 vs Uganda U-19
2:00 pm – Kenya Lionesses vs Uganda Lady Cranes
4:00 pm – Kenya A vs Uganda Cranes
For those who will be unable to make to the RFUEA grounds, the games will be aired live on Zuku channel 300 & 301.
KWISHA…Nimeruka Nje!!!
