All three Resolution Impala Saracens teams will be in action this weekend as they seek to consolidate their positions in the Kenya Cup, Eric Shirley Shield and Nationwide Leagues.
Bouyed by a five match winning streak, the Gazelles are perched at the top of the Kenya Cup League. They play University of Nairobi’s Mean Machine at the Lower Kabete University Groupnds at 4pm. While Mean Machine is not the same force of yesteryears, they have the knack of bringing a big game especially against Impala. While Impala start as overwhelming favorites, this is normally a tricky fixture since the two teams play a similar style. Saturday’s game will be no different and fans will be treated to what should be an entertaining match up. The Resolution Insurance sponsored team will be leaving nothing to chance as they chase 5 points. The Gazelles welcome back Lameck Dunde who starts off the bench in what will be his first appearance in Kenya Cup in 2015/16 season.
Defending Eric Shirley Shield champions, Resolution Impala Boks host Homeboyz II at Impala Club. The Boks won the first leg 20 -18 at Jamhuri Park in November. The match could have gone either way but the Boks showed their championship mettle in closing the match. Homeboyz II is packed with young exciting players many of whom have played for the Kenya under-19 team in years gone by. Skipper Rainer Omondi is prepared to lead his charges through what should be a closely fought encounter. The Boks have in their ranks Kenya full back Sammy Oliech as he continues with his recovery from the ankle injury that saw him miss a better part of the start of the league. Having made his return last week playing at inside centre, Oliech showed real deft touches and combined will with Israel Soi to ignite the backline.
The Standard Chartered Impala Academy (the Bucks) continues their fine run of form when they host Makueni RFC at 10am at Impala Club. Unbeaten after 4 matches but currently lie second in the Nairobi Nationwide Conference, the Bucks have shown all the goods that make them a very exciting side to watch. Coach Nick Abok says “our main aim is to continue to mould young players who will then move on to the senior Impala Saracens teams. Looking at the current Gazelles and Boks side, many of the players have come through the ranks and are holding their own at that level. That is very pleasing”. We look forward to building on the consistency that the team has displayed.
Kenya Cup: Mean Machine v Resolution Impala Gazelles at 4pm at UON, Lower Kabete Campus: 1. Dennis Karani 2. Daniel Ndome 3. Hosea Ngesa 4. Simon Muniafu 5. Erick Kerre 6. Joel Omer 7. Paul Mutsami 8. Duncan Ekasi (Capt.) 9. Samson Onsomu 10.Nato Simiyu 11. Kevin Ochami 12. Innocent Simiyu 13. Billy Omondi 14. Vincent Mose 15. George Okowa 16. Edgar Obino 17. Joshua Momanyi 18. Davies Makori 19. Daniel Abok 20. Michael Mugo 21. Samuel Motari 22. Quinto Ongo 23. Lameck Dunde
Eric Shirley Shield: Resolution Impala Boks v Homeboyz II at 2pm, Impala Club: 1. Steve Juma 2. Kelvins Karani 3. Stephen Ayora 4. Rainer Omondi (Capt.) 5. Francis Achira 6. Eric Kopondo 7. Wambiri Chege 8. Warren Nyanjom 9. Mohammed Omollo 10. Robin Kiplagat 11. Derrick Mayar 12. Samuel Oliech 13. Israel Soi 14. Richard Sidindi 15. Mark Kwemoi 16. Collins Chogo 17. Harritone Munai 18. Bakata Elisapana 19. Richard Asante 20. Xavier Kipngetich 21. Joash Ngesa 22. Douglas Ochako 23 Frank Ndong.
