For the Kenya Cup Match day 12, Fred Ollows has chosen to retain about 90% of the team that hosted Thika RFC last weekend. The game against Nondescripts RFC is scheduled to kick off at 4:00pm at the Resolution Impala Rugby pitch. It would be important to note that Resolution Impala Saracens are top of the table with 46 points while the Nondescripts RFC is at ninth position with 24 points after the 11 matches. So far The Sarries have been on perfect form despite the two losses they have suffered courtesy of their next door neighbour Harlequins. The Resolution Impala Saracens go into this match with plans of winning it; Nondies is no mean push over so the Sarries will need to be not only physically but also mentally ready if they want to remain top of the table.
The Sarries forwards starting lineup looks a bit like this; front row has Stephen Juma starting this week after being on the bench last weekend, Kelvins Karani who was last weekend’s loose head prop moves to the hooker position with Hosea Ngesa retaining the tight head prop position. Second row sees Simon Muniafu and Eric Kerre working hand in hand. Back row is made up of blindside flanker Daniel Abok alongside open side flanker Tyson Okoth with Captain Duncan Ekasi as the 8th man. Expect to see this powerhouse working as a unit in the scrums.
The backline however sees no changes made; Mohammed Omollo is the scrumhalf who will be clearing the rucks with Nato Simiyu as the Fly Half. Nato needs no introduction when it comes to making smart decisions in the pitch, inside center is Robert Aringo with Samuel Motari as the outside center. The back three comprises of left wing Ian Minjire, right wing Quinto Ongo and full back George Okowa. This starting line-up is definitely going to keep you on your feet because you will not want to miss any piece of action from either the forwards or the backs. Remember the beautiful interplay between Omollo, Nato and Motari? Or the support play that comprised of Motari and Quinto? Quinto and Oliech, Quinto and Bill Omondi? That led to the Sarries getting a strong win over the Millers last week? Well expect something of that sort if not better this weekend. Speaking of Oliech and Omondi, here are the Sarries reserves: Daniel Ndome, Edgar Obino, Davies Makori, Joel Omer, Samuel Oliech, Bill Omondi, Kevin Ochami, and Dennis Karani.
As is customary in this fixture, the game will start with a minute silence in honour of the Late Samson “Chums” Odhiambo who played for both teams before his death in 2002. A true hardman, Chums is still part of the club forklore at both clubs and will never be forgotten for his impact not just on the game but on the lives of his peers. Impala last held the trophy in 2012 (after nine long years) and are itching to reclaim it.