A total of 5 junior players from the Standard Chartered Impala Saracens Academy have successfully made it to National Under 19 team, fondly referred to as – Chipu.
Forwards Douglas Ochami, Tyson Okoth and Steve Shammah have withstood the test of time. Ochami is not new to the scrum. His knack for attack and carrying the ball in tight situations could be the reason he managed to secure this call up. Okoth’s strength was visible at the beginning of the 2014-2015 premier Kenya Cup season. He machinated a number of line out steals against Mean Machine, a surprise try against former Champions Top Fry Nakuru and a superb performance at the Bull ring before sustaining a maxillofacial injury that kept him out for close to 3 months. When we last touched base with the calm, collected and ingeniously hungry lock, he was confident that the injury only meant to build his confidence. Steve Shammah’s rugby background is very inspiring. You would only expect quality players to come from the ‘usual institutions’. His Olkejuado High School days blended with his the two years of his being at the Academy have suddenly borne fruit. He gets a chance to represent Kenya wearing the flanker’s jersey, one of the most sought after positions in Kenya & world rugby
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The Resolution Impala Saracens is known for nothing else but it’s wealth in a super fluid backline. The team has for years provided the Kenya XV side with fine, polished & try hungry backs. Dan Weku, Solomon Munyua, Allan Wamanga, Philip Mwenesi, Mitchell Ocholla, Antony Ongoro, Mwirigi Kinagwi, Oscar Osir, Charles Mbogo, Nato Simiyu, Innocent Simiyu, Victor Sudi, Elly Odongo, Anthony Nyandigisi, Vincent Mose, Robert Aringo, Samuel Oliech are just but a few of those who have once represented Kenya on international assignment. The time is just right for huge-booted junior fly half Anthony Odhiambo. It is also not late for centre Wilson Okoyo to continue his line breaking routine from last year in Far East Asia.
Joining the Chipu technical bench as team manager is former Kenya XV back and current Standard Chartered Impala Saracens team manager – Philip Mwenesi. Masti Mike Owino comes in as Strength & Conditioning Coach
