The Kenya Simbas Head Coach Jerome Paarwater has
retained seven Resolution Impala Saracens in his
abridged squad ahead of the Kenyan international XVs
season that starts with Elgon Cup in Kampala, Uganda on
June 4.
The South African jetted in last week for a four day
camp that ended Sunday.
In a move that reflected their consistency in the season,
the Sarries has had nine players in the national full
game setup.
In the forwards, Paarwater has retained tighthead prop
Dennis Karani, locks Simon Muniafu and Erick Kerre.
Only loosehead prop Stephen Juma has been released
from the squad.
In the backs, the Simiyu brothers – Nato and Innocent,
have been picked at fly half and centre, while the
diminutive base terrier Samson Onsomu is at scrum half.
The veteran back three player, Vincent Mose is called up
at fullback.
Winger Ian Minjire, who was in the initial squad, was
unavailable for the trials camp having gone to Germany
on a work attachment.
“We’re pretty pleased that the regular season league
form of these players has carried to get them an
opportunity to push for test places in the upcoming
season,” said Impala’s Director of Rugby, Fred Ollows.
“Representing the nation is a singular honour for any
player. If you add our fullback Samuel Oliech and
centres, Robert Aringo and Samuel Motari, who have now
won an HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series tournament, one
can say that our squad put in a real fight this season”
SIMBA XVs SQUAD
Front Row
Moses Amusala (KCB), Joseph Kang’ethe (Kenya
Harlequin), Curtis Lilako (KCB), Dennis Karani
(Resolution Impala Saracens), Joseph Odero (Top Fry
Nakuru), James Kang’ethe (Kenya Harlequin)
Hookers
Peter Karia (KCB), Philip Ikambili (Menengai Cream
Homeboyz), Sammy Wauri (Top Fry Nakuru)
Locks
Oliver Mang’eni (KCB), Ronnie Mwenesi (Nondescripts),
Simon Muniafu (Resolution Impala Saracens), Eric Kerre
(Resolution Impala Saracens)
Back Row
Brian Nyikuli (Pan Africa Strathmore Leos), Mike Okombe
(Top Fry Nakuru), Tonny Owuor (Pan Africa Strathmore
Leos), Dan Sikuta (Mwamba), Dalmus Chituyi (Top Fry
Nakuru), Martin Owila (Top Fry Nakuru), Lawrence
Buyachi (Top Fry Nakuru), Joshua Chisanga (Newcastle
Falcons), Max Adaka (Kabras Sugar)
Scrum Halves
Lyle Asiligwa (Kenya Harlequin), Edwin Achayo (Kabras
Sugar), Samson Onsomu (Resolution Impala Saracens),
Kelvin Masai (Menengai Cream Homeboyz)
Fly Halves
Nato Simiyu (Resolution Impala Saracens), Isaac Adimo
(Kenya Harlequin)
Centers
Nick Barasa (Kabras Sugar), Patrice Agunda (Kenya
Harlequin), David Ambunya (Kenya Harlequin), Fabian
Olando (Kabras Sugar), Innocent Simiyu (Resolution
Impala Saracens)
Wings
Darwin Mukidza (KCB), Dennis Muhanji (Kenya
Harlequin), Enock Makinga (Nondescripts), Cyprian Kuto
(Pan Africa Strathmore Leos)
Fullbacks
Vincent Mose (Resolution Impala Saracens), Tony Onyango
(Pan Africa Strathmore Leos)