Dennis Karani will not be available for the Kenya Simbas this weekend when the team travels down south to play Zimbabwe in an Africa Gold Cup fixture. The prop will be sitting a very important exam which he cannot afford to push forward. This will be the first time Karani misses from Kenya XV related Saturday action since the international season started. His place is rightfully taken up by KCB prop – Curtis Lilako.
Despite Karani’s absence, Resolution Impala Saracens fans still have a reason to tune their devices to KWESE Free Sports from 2.30 pm on Saturday 22nd July 2017. Lock – Simon Muniafu, flanker – Eric Kerre, scrum-half Samson Onsomu and inside centre – Leo Seje Owade will be flying the club’s flag. Simon Muniafu overcame a concussion scare sustained during Kenya’s 33-33 draw with Uganda & came back to cause numerous problems to the Senegalese defence last Saturday. Kerre Eric scored a brace in Kenya’s historic 100-10 win over Tunisia, was expected to add more to his name when the Simbas clashed with Senegal, but Zimbabwe presents another clean slate for him to display explosive rugby. Samson Onsomu has been consistent with donning the scrum-half jersey and is expected to continue with surprising defences. It seems like Seje Owade’s work rate during the Kenya vs Tunisia game 2 weeks ago has earned him a position in the Simbas. General fan sentiment has it that his uniqueness comes through his ability to play-make and create spaces in opponents’ defence lines. This will be his 3rd Kenya XV start.
The Simbas boarded the morning flight to Harare and finally Bulawayo understanding that Zimbabwe stretched Namibia to near elastic limits last week. At the 40 minute mark, the Sables were 20-7 ahead. Namibia would however dominate the second half and rally to win 31-26. As it stands, the Welwitschias of Namibia are top with 15, The Simbas follow closely with 12. The Uganda Cranes who have been growing in strength year after year sit third with 11. The Sables top the bottom half with 6 points. Senegal sit 2nd last with 1 point. Tunisia have not been able to record a point yet.
Starting XV
15.Tony Onyango(Menengai Cream Homeboyz), 14. Darwin Mukidza (KCB), 13. David Ambunya(SportPesa Quins), 12. Leo Seje(Resolution Impala Saracens), 11. Jacob Ojee(KCB), 10. Isaac Adimo (SportPesa Quins), 9. Samson Onsomu(Resolution Impala Saracens), 1. Moses Amusala(KCB), 2. Peter Karia(KCB), 3. Curtis Lilako(KCB), 4. Wilson Kopondo (SportPesa Quins,Captain), 5. Simon Muniafu(Resolution Impala Saracens), 6. Eric Kerre( Resolution Impala Saracens), 7. Davis Chenge (KCB), 8. Joshua Chisanga (Newcastle Falcons)
Replacements 16. Philip Ikambili (Menengai Cream Homeboyz), 17. Oscar Simiyu (KCB), 18. Bramwell Mayaka (Menengai Cream Homeboyz), 19. George Nyambua (Kabras Sugar), 20. Martin Owila (KCB), 21. Lyle Asiligwa (SportPesa Quins), 22. Kenny Andola (KCB), 23. Dennis Muhanji (SportPesa Quins)
Management: Jerome Paarwater ( Head Coach), Dominique Habimana (Forwards Coach), Charles Ngovi (Backs Coach), Richard Ochieng’ (Strength & Conditioning Coach), Chris Makachia (Physio), Simiyu Wangila (Team Manager)
