RESOLUTION Impala Saracens has made 5 changes, one positional to their semi final team as they seek to defend the ESS trophy for the third time in a row.
There is no place for hooker Chris Mwenda, who started in the 32-12 semi final win over Kenya Harlequins. His position is taken up by Daniel Ndome who was captain when Impala won two years ago. He has recovered from the illness that saw him miss the Kenya Cup qualifier against Kabras Sugar RFC.
Hosea Ngesa and Meshack Tunechi retain their positions at loosehead and tighthead respectively.
Kevin Okeyo started at lock in the semis, but has been pushed to blindside flank in a tactical change that sees tight lock Stephen Ayora start. Shem Angugo who was named Man of The Match the last time Impala played against KCB retains his number 5 jersey.
Okeyo’s move to blindside flanker sees Daniel Abok starting off the bench. Erick K’Opondo showed good carrying and general form in the semis and will retain his openside flanker role. A technical change has been made at eighthman. Rainer Omondi, who returned after 5 months of absence due to knee injury and intercepted before scoring in the semis starts from the bench. The more experienced Tyson Okoth, who also ill ahead of Impala’s last Kenya Cup match starts.
Ian Mabwa and Anthony Odhiambo continue their halfback partnership. Try scorers at the semi: Joash Ngesa and Patrick Mutuku retain their inside and outside centre partnership.
The only change in the back three is left -winger Brian Opar starting in place of Richard Sidindi who will start off the bench. Quinto Ongo is on the right wing and also doubles up as match day captain.
Mark Kwemoi had a masterly fullback Man of The Match performance in the semi final. He had outstanding fielding and tactical play that helped bury Harlequins. A return to this form will be valuable to the team.
The reserves unfurls an arsenal that Impala can use at will. It features Kenya’s most capped XV player – scum-half Moses Kola, who is extremely good at controlling match tempo. It also carries the no nonsense flanker Daniel Abok ans mercurial Richard Sidindi.
“The team is in good spirits, has prepared well and looking forward to the Saturday challenge. Finals are always special and depend on who play the big moments – both defensive and offensive, well. We’re looking to defend the trophy after a decent run in the regular season,” said Fred Ollows, Resolution Impala’s Director of Rugby.
Starting XV
1. Hosea Ngesa
2. Daniel Ndome
3. Meshack Tunnechi
4. Stephen Ayora
5. Shem Angugo
6. Kevin Okeyo
7. Eric Kopondo
8. Tyson Okoth
9. Ian Mabwa
10. Antony Odhiambo
11. Brian Opar
12. Joash Ngesa
13. Patrick Mutuku
14. Quinto Ongo(C)
15. Mark Kwemoi
Reserves
16. Jimmy Mwangi
17. Joshua Momanyi
18. Rainer Omondi
19. Daniel Abok
20. Edwin Gatungo
21. Moses Kola
22. David Moenga
23. Richard Sidindi
DATE: 22 APRIL 2017
VENUE: USIU
KICK OFF: 2PM EAT
