Thursday 28 July 2016….With the Elgon Cup/ Rugby Africa Division 1A looming large, Impala Saracens utility back Ian Minjire has been handed his test debut while Nondescripts lock Ronnie Mwenesi returns to the Simbas after a year long injury layoff as the match day 23 for Saturday’s clash against Uganda was announced in Nairobi on Thursday morning. Also making a return to playing for the Simbas after a long hiatus is former Kenya Sevens international Patrice Agunda.
Team Manager Simiyu Wangila, speaking to the press, said, “ Minjire has had a standout league season, playing a key role in steering Impala to second place in the Kenya Cup, and he definitely caught the eye. Agunda brings experience, is strong offensively and on defense and will certainly light up the Simbas. Mwenesi gives us that muscle we need to bolster the front five. He too has lots of experience and will be vital to our plans on Saturday.
Oliver Mang’eni returns to the squad after missing the Southern Africa tour to work commitments.Other changes to the squad see Lyle Asiligwa return for the first time since the 48-10 hack of the Cranes in Kampala on 4th June.
Simbas
15. Tony Onyango, 14. Ian Minjire, 13. Nichodemus Barasa, 12. Patrice Agunda, 11. David Ambunya, 10. Nato Simiyu, 9. Edwin Achayo, 1. Moses Amusala, 2. Sammy Warui, 3. Curtis Lilako, 4. Ronnie Mwenesi, 5. Oliver Mang’eni, 6. Brian Nyikuli (captain), 7. Mike Okombe, 8. Tony Owuor
Replacements: 16. Peter Karia, 17. James Kang’ethe, 18. Jospeh Kang’ethe, 19. Simon Muniafu, 20. Max Adaka, 21. Lyle Asiligwa, 22. Isaac Adimo, 23. Innocent Simiyu
