Leo Seje Owade will earn his second Kenya XV start this Saturday at the RFUEA when the Simbas go against Senegal. Seje, who was awarded the Man of The Match accolade after Kenya beat Tunisia 100-10 at the same venue last weekend has proven to be just the right fit at inside centre for the Kenya Simbas. Lovely news is that the dependable Simon Muniafu has managed to shake off the concussion shackles that kept him out of the Kenya-Tunisia match last weekend and will start at lock.
Samson Onsomu has been consistent in performance and shows no signs of slowing down. After 4 matches, Onsomu has scored 4 tries, one against Germany, another against Uganda in Kampala and a brace in Nairobi against Tunisia. He continues to start at scrum-half.
Kerre Eric’s choice to shift from lock to flank could have been his biggest blessing. The loose forward has scored 3 tries, one against Germany and a brace against Tunisia. He continues to start at blind-side flank. An experienced Dennis Karani, the prop who has been focusing on ‘getting things done’ also earns his 5th start with the Simbas this year.
The Resolution Impala Saracens fraternity could have expected to see a very promising James Kubasu step out to play this weekend but they’ll have to wait longer. The youngster who started off the bench on both home and away Elgon Cup fixtures believes he still has a chance to prove his worth if given the opportunity. “’The selectors were happy with my performance against Uganda but have spoken to me about a few small things I need fixed. I am currently working on them and should be back to the first 23 as soon as possible”, he remarked. Resolution Impala Saracens Head Coach – Frank Ndong’ believes that Kubasu’s only shortcoming is experience, but that comes with time. Replying to our media team, Ndong said, “I would have loved it if Kubasu was given the opportunity to showcase himself. He held his own against all known tight-heads during Kenya Cup & I believe he can show us wonders if afforded more opportunity at Kenya XV.”
Ndong’ who once captained the Kenya XV went on to encourage Seje Owade to keep the inside centre shirt. He also reaffirmed the reason for a returning Simon Muniafu to set a benchmark of performance when he goes out to play against Senegal. “We’ve seen Simon at his peak and all he needs to do right now is set targets and benchmark himself against them”, he asserts. His confidence in Samson Onsomu was vivid in his reply to our final question on whether he believes the scrum-half has cemented his starting 9 position: “Onsomu is currently at the top and as long as he is on top, all other players knocking for the starting 9 jersey will have to work harder to get past him.”
Kenya Simbas vs Senegal
KO: 2PM
Venue: RFUEA
Date: 15 Jul 2017
Starting XV
15.Tony Onyango (Homeboyz) 14. Darwin Mukidza (KCB) 13. David Ambunya (Quins) 12. Leo Seje (ResolutionImpala Saracens) 11. Jacob Ojee (KCB) 10. Isaac Adimo (Quins) 9. Samson Onsomu ResolutionImpala Saracens) 1. Moses Amusala (KCB) 2. Peter Karia (KCB) 3. Dennis Karani (Resolution Impala Saracens) 4. Wilson Kopondo (captain-Quins), 5. Simon Muniafu (Resolution Impala Saracens) 6. Eric Kerre (Resolution Impala Saracens) 7. Davis Chenge 8. Joshua Chisanga
Replacements
16. Philip Ikambili (Homeboyz) 17.Oscar Simiyu (KCB) 18. Curtis Lilako (KCB) 19. George Nyambua (Kabras) 20. Martin Owila (KCB) 21. Lyle Asiligwa (Quins) 22. Kenny Andola (KCB) 23. Dennis Muhanji (Quins)
Management: Jerome Paarwater (Head Coach), Dominique Habimana (Forwards Coach), Charles Ngovi (Backs Coach), Richard Ochieng (S&C Coach), Chris Makachia (Physio), Simiyu Wangila (Team Manager)
