The last time the Resolution Impala Saracens Gazelles took part in competitive rugby was 1st April 2017. 5 weeks of rest and rebuilding after the unfortunate 18-21 loss to Kabras Sugar come to an end this weekend when the team faces Kenya Harlequins in a Ngong Road Derby match whose characteristic build up on social media has been muted by both clubs these past 5 days.
Impala Head Coach – Frank Ndong’s side features 2 changes in the front row. Props James Kubasu & Dennis Karani are on the flight to South Africa with the Kenya XV today where the team will be on an 10 day training camp in preparation for their match against Germany on the 27th of this month at the RFUEA. Kubasu and Karani’s positions are covered by Hosea Ngesa and Meshack Tunechi.
Davis Makori will miss partnering with Erick Kerre at lock. Kerre will be together with Kubasu & Karani on the plane to South Africa today. Daniel Abok, who was formidable in the 13-12 ESS trophy win against KCB will pull on the number 5 jersey this weekend.
Paul Mutsami will start at blind side flank. Tyson Okoth has been taken ill. Elvis Oroko will replace him at open-side flanker. Captain Duncan Ekasi retains his role at 8th man.
Samson Onsomu will be away with the Kenya XV in South Africa. Mohammed Omollo stays in Nairobi to start at scrum-half. Nato Simiyu is unavailable due to work commitment. Robin Kiplang’at will wear the number 10 jersey.
Seje Owade’s inclusion in Jerome Paarwater’s side to the Kenya XV camp in South Africa opens up opportunity for Anthony Nyandigisi to start at inside centre. Billy Omondi returns to start at outside centre.
Left winger Derrick Mayar is with the Kenya 7s in Paris & his position is taken up by the fleet footed Brian Opar. George Okowa takes charge of the right wing. The experience filled Richard Sidindi is at fullback
Resolution Impala Saracens will be seeking to overcome a season long losing plague to the noisy neighbours. Impala lost 10-28 in the first leg of the 2016/17 Kenya Cup league played under moody weather at the Impala Club. The team went ahead to lose 26-36 to Quins in an afternoon which was later defined as a ‘flat derby’. This will also be the first time Resolution Impala Saracens new head coach – Frank Ndong will be taking the Gazelles out for a run in the savannah. The Enterprise Cup is played on a knock-out basis. Will the boys come out victorious? Mood within training yesterday oozed of nothing short but 80 minute long dominance over the visitors.
Starting XV
1 Hosea Ngesa
2 Kelvins Karani
3 Meshack Tunechi
4 Davis Makori
5 Daniel Abok
6 Paul Mutsami
7 Elvis Oroko
8 Duncan Ekasi (C)
9 Mohammed Omollo
10 Robin Kiplang’at
11 Brian Opar
12 Anthony Nyandigisi
13 Billy Omondi
14 George Okowa
15 Richard Sidindi
Replacements
16 Daniel Ndome
17 Edgar Obino
18 Anthony Orege
19 Kevin Okeyo
20 Joel Omer
21 Moses Kola
22 Joash Ngesa
23 Israel Soi
