Edwin Gatungo, a former Impala Academy lock debuts this weekend against Strathmore Leos in their Impala Floodlit clash versus Resolution Impala Saracens. The forward, who is equally at ease at backrow, and played centre in school rugby is one of six former academy players picked by Impala’s Director of Rugby Fred Ollows in the match day 23.
“The integration with our academy is becoming more solid as time goes. At senior level there are no free lunches and the ones who make it justify their selection. Gatungo started his rise in the Boks (Eric Shirley) side last season and is having a good pre season. He should go well,” said Ollows.
Otherwise, flanker Joel Omer captains the run on team ahead of recently wed club captain Duncan Ekasi who has also just begun his postgraduate studies.
The squad also sees scrum half Michael Mugo return to pair veteran Nato Simiyu at halfback. Mugo got held up by a series of personal commitments that saw him absent from the Gazelles lineup most of last season.
The Impala Floodlit squad features two former Strathmore Leos – tighthead prop Anthony Orege and utility backrow James Kubasu – both returning to Impala after studies at Strathmore University. Orege is in the match day squad tomorrow while Kubasu is in the wider Floodlit squad.
“We are always happy to see our old boys return after study”
IMPALA XVS
Dennis Karani, Daniel Ndome, Meshack Tunnechi, Davis Makori, Edwin Gatungo, Joel Omer (c), Tyson Okoth, Duncan Ekasi, Michael Mugo, Nato Simiyu, Ian Minjire, David Moenga, Anthony Nyandigisi, Quinto Ongo, Samuel Oliech.
RESERVES
Jimmy Mwangi, Edgar Obino, Anthony Orege, Harritone Munai, Erick Kopondo, Xavier Kipng’etich, David Dinda, Mark Kwemoi.
IMPALA FLOODLIT SQUAD RESERVE
Neville Omondi, Rainer Omondi, James Kubasu, Warren Nyanjom, Samson Onsomu, Kevin Ochami, Patrick Mutuku.
