The return leg of the 2017 edition of the rivalry filled Elgon Cup battle features 6 Resolution Impala Saracens players. The match, which shall be played just a fence away from the Impala Club presents not only explosive action on and off the pitch, but also an opportunity for the 6 Resolution Impala Saracens players to showcase their learnings from the past 2 test matches the national team has been involved in. This fixture is not only important, but also critical to the nation as both teams won’t only be fighting for the ‘mountain’ but also a possible chance at emerging regional champions as it doubles up as an Africa Gold Cup fixture recognised by Rugby Afrique.
Stalwart Dennis Karani, who first represented the nation in 2006 while in high school and has stayed within the sport 11 years later believes that he has the best to offer when he steps out on RFUEA grass this weekend. Karani, who plays at prop and has started in the past 2 matches attributes the slight trail in Kampala to a small lapse in concentration. “We started off really well but between the 20th and 40th minute lost the punch to effectiveness in Crane 22. We however came back to win 23-18 after switching on the effectiveness button. We have been improving ever since the 29-30 loss to Germany and I believe we’ll win against the Cranes.”
Erick Kerre who scored a very beautiful try after running more than 40 metres against Germany is another player expected to raise panic in Ugandan defence. “In as much as I bullied the Ugandans in Kampala, I also had undesirable moments when the Ugandan 8th man carried wide and set platforms of attack for his team. We have been working on communication and improving stopping power between the back-row unit and the fly-half. I know that if we deny these Ugandans possession and I carry with aggression, they won’t have a match on us.” Kerre, who came in to the national team and was named to play at 6 instead of his usual 4 insists that he has no doubts in himself and that’s why he’s been performing well at 6. “I even had a discussion with head coach – Jerome Paarwater and we are both in agreement that I can switch whenever required to,” he asserts. “It has been lovely playing in the past 2 matches and I look forward to more. If the opportunity to play abroad announces itself, I won’t be slow to grabbing it. But for now, I want to focus on doing my best in rugby and studies,” he concludes.
Samson Onsomu’s footprint in the Kenya XV is getting to almost indelible levels. Being the only player to score a try in the 2 test matches the national team has played this year is a fact Impala treasures. “I always want to do the best whenever I play. I focus on doing what I do best.” Onsomu has partnered with 2 fly-halves to date: Biko Adema and Isaac Adimo. This weekend, he could partner with Ken Andola. We became a little nosey & asked him if he prefers any of the three, he was quick to school us on what makes a good scrum-half, “I am okay to partner with anyone on the material day. The team has one goal – a win and we all pool resources to achieving this.”
James Kubasu received the nod to travel to Kampala but his boots never touched the Legends’ Club grass during the official 80 minutes of play. Asked how he felt about it, the 23 year old prop exuded optimism, “I have learnt a lot. The detail that goes into preparations before matches, the team norms are on a whole different level. The fact that I have once more been called to start off the bench on this specific fixture is a sign enough for me to keep knocking the door”. Will he get a chance to at least feel how international rugby feels like? Be at the RFUEA to witness possible history being made by the youthful lad.
Centre – Seje Owade and Lock – Simon Muniafu have also received the chance to do duty for Kenya this weekend. While this will be Muniafu’s chance to prove his performance at scrum and line-out, it will be Owade’s chance to at least pierce through defences when called to rise off the bench.
The Team:
1.Moses Amusala (KCB) 2.Peter Karia (KCB) 3.Dennnis Karani (Resolution Impala Saracens) 4.Simon Muniafu (Resolution Impala Saracens) 5.Oliver Mangeni (KCB) 6.Eric Kerre (Resolution Impala Saracens) 7.Davies Chenge (KCB) 8.Joshua Chisanga (Newcastle Falcons/Homeboyz) 9.Samson Onsomu (Resolution Impala Saracens) 10.Isaac Adimo (Kenya Harlequins) 11.Jacob Ojee (KCB) 12.Patrice Agunda (Kenys Harlequins) 13.David Ambunya (Kenya Harlequins) 14.Darwin Mukidza (KCB) 15.Tony Onyango (Homeboyz) 16.Philip Ikambili (Homeboyz) 17. James Kubasu (Resolution Impala Saracens) 18.Curtis Lilako (KCB) 19.George Nyambua (Kabras) 20.Steve Otieno (Homeboyz) 21.Kenny Andola (KCB) 22.Brad Owako (Mwamba RFC) 23.Leo Seje Owade (Resolution Impala Saracens)