The return of veteran test scrum half Moses Kola and debut of Mark Kwemoi highlight the match day side of Resolution Impala Saracens this weekend.
In the penultimate day of the Kenya Cup preliminaries, Kola is a reserve scrum half while Kwemoi, an Impala Academy alumnus, starts at fullback.
The Sarries meet Nondescripts RUFC in a return match having won leg one, that doubled up as a Samson Odhiambo Memorial Cup, 50-9. The Gazelles will be smarting over the 13-25 Kabras loss, last weekend in the Kakamega return leg fixture.
“The boys are in high spirits and rearing to go against Nondies. They’ve approached each of the last 17 matches seriously and this will be no different” says the Director of Rugby, Fred Ollows.
Commenting on Kwemoi’s debut, Ollows reckons, “Blooding young players in the big stage is an old Impala model. That’s how Kenya Rugby got introduced to the likes of Namcos (Innocent Simiyu), who’s still running on, Mitch Ocholla, Nick Olewe and so on. It’s how we pass the Impala philosophy baton on to the young quality players”
And on Kola? “He’s a record test player. He understands the pressure can well and brings a measure of stability, at this stage of the season”
The Karani brothers, Dennis and Kelvins, are back at the front row, after sitting out last weekend due to bereavement.
Paul Mutsami moves to openside flank, from last weekend’s bench, switching the Kenya U19 captain Tyson Okoth, to the blindside. Kenya trialist Ian Minjire returns from being uninvolved last weekend to cover the left wing.
The match will kick off at 2pm at the Railways Club, as the first match in a double header, that sees the home side Mwamba RFC play Strathmore Leos in another key match. It promises to be an exciting Saturday afternoon at Kulabu.
STARTING XV
Stephen Juma, Kelvins Karani, Dennis Karani, Davis Makori, Simon Muniafu, Tyson Okoth, Paul Mutsami, Duncan Ekasi, Mohammed Omollo, Nato Simiyu, Ian Minjire, Innocent Simiyu, Bill Omondi, Kevin Ochami, Mark Kwemoi*
RESERVES
Daniel Ndome, Neville Omondi, Erick Kerre, Joel Omer, Moses Kola, Anthony Nyandigisi, Israel Soi, Meshack TunechiYou
