TWO DEBUTANTS AS IMPALA KICKS OFF ENTERPRISE CAMPAIGN
Resolution Impala Saracens is in premier rugby action this weekend, in an Enterprise Cup quarterfinal fixture against Mwamba RFC. The Sarries had a bye last weekend while Kulabu were in action against Western Bulls in a pre-quarter match. They won 31-15.
The Enterprise Cup, the knockout competition for teams participating in the Kenya Cup league, is East Africa’s oldest running competition having begun in 1928.
On naming the squad, Director of Rugby Fred Ollows reckoned “We have an exciting squad with two debutants in the reserves bench – flanker Steve Shammah and centre Patrick Mutuku, who have come through the ranks, right from our academy. They have earned their stripes.
Otherwise, the team is hungry to make a mark in the absence of the Kenya squad players who are preparing for international duty beginning with Elgon Cup in Uganda, next weekend”
In the forwards, Stephen Juma, Kelvins Karani and Meshack Tunechi will form the front row,while Davis Makori and Daniel Abok will complete the tight five, at lock. Joel Omer, Paul Mutsami and skipper Duncan Ekasi will complete the forward pack, as the explosive backrow.
Mohammed Omollo will partner Anthony Nyandigisi as half backs with Kevin Ochami and Israel Soi as centres. The back three will feature Lameck Dunde and Quinto Ongo as wingers and Mark Kwemoi at fullback.
“Overall, this is a young enthusiastic side itching to have a go, in line with our model that exposes emerging players to opportunity”
The match is at 4pm this Saturday at Impala Club. The winner of the match will play the winner of the tie between Kenya Cup champions Kabras Sugar and Homeboyz RFC, last year’s Enterprise Cup runners up, to be played at Jamhuri Park.
The Gazelles lost last year’s knockout campaign to defending Enterprise Cup champions KCB at the semi final stage.
STARTING XV
Stephen Juma, Kelvins Karani, Meshack Tunechi, Davis Makori, Daniel Abok, Joel Omer, Paul Mutsami, Duncan Ekasi, Mohammed Omollo, Anthony Nyandigisi, Lameck Dunde, Kevin Ochami, Israel Soi, Quinto Ongo, Mark Kwemoi.
RESERVES
Daniel Ndome, Neville Omondi, Paul Oimbo, Steve Shammah*, Moses Kola, Patrick Mutuku*, Robert Aringo, Hosea Ngesa.
