Centre Patrick Mutuku will today walk into the RFUEA wearing the Standard Chartered Impala Saracens captain’s armband. Behind him shall be 22 other youngsters who never received National team nods but have proven their worth in training. It is important to note that the young Sarries have always been in impeccable fashion against other clubs but this is a different platform altogether. They might have won trophies from last season but this is where form and class clash. It obviously shall be a match to watch & coach Nick Odera is averse to the bragging rights at stake. The action trigger is one: The National Under 19 side suffered a surprise loss to high school boys Laiser Hill & will not hesitate to grab more than the junior Sarries hem. The shocking loss could be what ultimately drives the National Under 19 team which features 5 from the Standard Chartered Impala Saracens Academy. Worth noting is that the team Manager and Strength and Conditioning coach also hail from Impala. It will be interesting to watch how some of those who ‘auditioned’ for a National team jersey run against those who finally got selected. An Impala win would solidify the Standard Chartered Impala Saracens Academy reputation as the most formidable in the region. A National team loss would mean that Tyson Okoth, Douglas Ochami, Steve Shammah, Antony Odhiambo & Bill Omondi’s positions at the Academy will have found better replacements.
The Team
15. Mark Kwemoi 14. Martin Musau 13. Patrick Mutuku 12. Daryl Tindi 11. Kelly Atuke 10. Xavier Kipng’etich 9. Willy Odhiambo 8. Paul Mutsami 7. Eddy Gitau 6. Valentino Cosmas 5. David Kamau 4. Francis Achira 3. Melvin Ondeyo 2. Ndirangu Walugongo 1. Victor Ochieng
Replacements
16. Victor Odhiambo 17. Neville Omondi 18. Mramba Evans 19. Richard Asante 20. Patrick Musau 21. Marvin Ng’ang’a 22. Brian Opar 23. Linus Otieno
