The war of words will never stop between the fans of these two rugby nations. Kenya say they’re ‘Big Brother’ and demand respect. But Uganda will take none of it going into Saturday’s Elgon Cup fixture against the old enemy at Legends Rugby Club.
There is no denying that the Kenya Simbas have dwarfed and tormented the Rugby Cranes in recent times to the extent of the neighbours opting to field their ‘A’ side for this same clash in the last two years.
But with the world governing body World Rugby (WR) officially coming out to accredit the Kampala date as a ‘Full Test Match’, Kenya have thrown experiments out of the window and named their best for the rubber. Why? The game will as well be an Africa Cup contest and WR ranking tie.
Pan Africa Strathmore Leos captain Brian Nyikuli, who featured prominently for the Simbas last year against Portugal and Spain plus Namibia, Tunisia and Zimbabwe in the Africa Cup has been the captaincy mantle by South African coach Jerome Paarwater.
“It is going to be a very physical and tough game,” Nyikuli said on Wednesday soon after the Kenya Simbas final 24-man team was announced the Rugby Football Union of East Africa (RFUEA) grounds, home of Harlequins, along Ngong Road in Nairobi.
“Uganda is a team we can beat anytime. They work very hard in terms of forward plays but we have explosive backs. We have also worked on our forward play and look forward to engaging the Cranes in structured play.”
In Nato Simiyu, Nick Barasa, Max Adaka plus, Kangethe brothers Joseph and James, Kenya boast of extraordinary players that can single-handedly win games, but Rugby Cranes captain Brian Odongo is unfazed.
“We don’t need any motivation for this game,” said the prop, in an exclusive interview after sponsors Nile Breweries announced a Shs181 package for the international season including a Shs7.5m offer per win on Wednesday at Legends RFC. “We have played and beaten stronger Kenyan sides. We are up to the task. The boys have trained and are seasoned for the challenge.”
Uganda coach Robert Seguya, a staunch believer of hard work, named five debutantes (Elijah Segawa, Robert Masendi, Byron Oteka, Saul Kivumbi and fans favourite Phillip Wokorach) in in his match-day squad is optimistic the Cranes will fly. “The fans should come out in numbers and be out 16th man. Their support will be vital.”
Legends will be a beehive of activity.
RUGBY CRANES PROBABLE XV
- Brian Odongo (Captain), 2. Cyrus Wathum, 3. Asuman Mugerwa, 4. Charles Uhuru, 5. Arthur Mpande, 6. Byron Oketa, 7. Pius Ogena, 8. Ronald Musajjagulanyago, 9. Kevin Makmot, 10. Chris Lubanga, 11. James Odong, 12. Gerald Sewankambo, 13. Oscar Kalyango, 14. Michael Wokorach (vice-captain), 15. Phillip Wokorach.
Substitutes
Elijah Segawa, Dennis Mulo, John Wandicho, Eric Kasita, Ramadan Govule, Davis Kiwalabye, Joseph Aredo and Robert Masendi , Saul Kivumbi.
Coaches: Robert Seguya & Anthony Kinene
KENYA SIMBAS TOURING PARTY
Backs: Edwin Achayo (Kabras Sugar), Lyle Asiligwa (Quins), Nato Simiyu (Resolution Impala Saracens),Isaac Adimo (Quins), Nick Barasa (Kabras Sugar), David Ambunya (Quins), Darwin Mukidza (KCB), Dennis Muhanji (Quins), Vincent Mose (Resolution Impala Saracens), Tony Onyango (Resolution Impala Saracens)
Forwards: Moses Amusala, Curtis Lilako (KCB), Joseph Kang’ethe, James Kang’ethe (Quins),Sammy Warui (Top Fry Nakuru), Peter Karia (KCB),Oliver Mang’eni (KCB),Simon Muniafu, Eric Kerre (Resolution Impala Saracens)
Back row: Brian Nyikuli (Captain, Pan Africa Strathmore Leos), Tony Owuor (Pan Africa Strathmore Leos), Mike Okombe (Top Fry Nakuru), Max Adaka (Kabras Sugar), Dan Sikuta (Mwamba)
Management: Jerome Paarwater (Head Coach), Dominique Habimana (Assistant Coach),Richard Ochieng (S&C),Chris Makachia (Physio), Simiyu Wangila (Team Manager)
RUGBY CRANES SCHECULE
June 4: Uganda vs. Kenya
July 2: Uganda vs. Namibia
July 16: Zimbabwe vs. Uganda
July 30: Kenya vs. Uganda