Head coach Jerome Paarwater has named his 23-man squad that is set to take on regional rivals Uganda in the opening leg of the Elgon Cup at RFUEA on Saturday, November 9, 2024.

Kabras Sugar’s John Kubu and George Nyambua, the captain, as well as vice captains Eugene Sifuna and Barry Young, are among the experienced players in the squad.

“The squad features a combination of several veterans and a set of new players. This will offer a blend of experience and new energy, which will be vital in steering the team towards victory,” the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Kenya U20 international Andycole Omolo, as well as Tyson Maina and Griffin Chao, are set to make their debuts for the Simbas.

Ephraim Oduor will start at prop together with Wilhite Mususi as Sifuna closes in the front row at hooker. In the second row, Hillary Odhiambo and Emmanuel Silungi will partner. Nyambua will take up the back row role, and he will be helped by Omolo as they will discharge duties at numbers six and seven in that order.

Jean Misoga has been given the role to seal it for the forwards, as he will serve as the eighth man.

Brian Wahinya and Young will be the day’s halfback pair: Wahinya at scrum half and Young as fly half. The midfield roles have been handed to Walter Okoth and Maina, serving at numbers 12 and 13, respectively. 

The blind wing will be manned by Alfred Orege as Griffin Chao takes care of the open wing. At full back, Timothy Omela will be in charge.

Squad

The players marked in asterics (*) are making their debuts for the side.

Starting XV: 1. Ephraim Oduor, 2. Eugene Sifuna (VC), 3. Wilhite Mususi, 4. Emmanuel Silungi, 5. Hillary Odhiambo, 6. George Nyambua (C), 7. Andycole Omolo , 8. Jeanson Misoga, 9. Brian Wahinya, 10. Barry Young (VC), 11. Alfred Orege, 12. Walter Okoth, 13. Tyson Maina , 14. Griffin Chao *, 15. Timothy Omela

Bench: 16. Griffin Musila, 17. Edward Mwaura, 18. Hibrahim Ayoo, 19. Ernest Obat Kuke, 20. Elkeans Musonye, 21. Samson Onsomu, 22. Jone Kubu, and 23. Paul Mutsami.