Kenya Simbas squad facing Zambia this weekend will see five debutants earn their first cap, four of these being in the starting lineup while the fourth one starts off the bench on Saturday. Francis Mwita, Brian Amaitsa, Samuel Asati, Eliud Mulakoli and Ian Njenga are looking forward to their first cap for the National senior fifteens team.
This will be the first time Kenya hosts a Victoria Cup match after a seven-year hiatus of the tournament. The last fixture played in Nairobi was on 23rd July in 2011 at the Nyayo Stadium where Kenya lost 21-26 to the eventual Victoria Cup champions Zimbabwe.
Head Coach Paul Odera has recalled the services of Geofrey Okwach, Emmanuel Silungi and John Okoth all who featured for The Simbas on June 22nd during the first Elgon Cup match in Kisumu.
Curtis Lilako is the appointed match day Captain and will be assisted by Elkeans Musonye and Jacob Ojee all of whom are in the starting lineup.
“We are not changing our attack and defense systems because that would then confuse the players. We are working on refining them as we progress with the fixtures. Talent is not a problem in the country, what we need to rethink is the culture around the National Teams.” Paul Odera
“I believe we are all ready for this weekend. There’s a good blend between the young players and a number of the experienced players. The mood of the team can only be displayed on the pitch this Saturday so we’re urging our fans to show up on the day and support us.” Captain, Curtis Lilako
Regular tickets are Kshs. 500/- while the VIP tickets are Kshs. 1000/- payable via the paybill number below.
KRU Pay bill number: 155550
Account Name: KENvZAM
Simbas squad vs Zambia
| Postion | Surname | Name | Club | Current Age | Caps |
| Loose Head Prop | Simiyu | Oscar | K.C.B. RFC | 23 | 20 |
| Hooker | Francombe | Toby | Nondies RFC | 21 | 4 |
| Tighthead Prop | Lilako | Curtis (Captain) | K.C.B. RFC | 29 | 37 |
| LH Lock | Mwita | Francis | K.C.B. RFC | 26 | 0 |
| TH Lock | Onsando | Malcolm | Kenya Harlequin F.C. | 24 | 11 |
| Backrow/6 | Amaitsa | Brian | Nondies RFC | 19 | 0 |
| Backrow/7 | Akuei | Monate | Top Fry Nakuru RFC | 21 | 4 |
| Number 8 | Musonye | Elkeans (Co-Captain) | Resolution Impala Saracens | 24 | 14 |
| Scrum half | Asati | Samuel | K.C.B. RFC | 19 | 0 |
| Flyhalf | Kuka | Charles | USIU RFC | 22 | 4 |
| 11 | Okwach | Geoffrey | K.C.B. RFC | 19 | 1 |
| Inside Centre | Mungau | Johnstone | Kabras Sugar RFC | 26 | 4 |
| Outside Center | Mulakoli | Eliud | USIU RFC | 25 | 0 |
| 14 | Ojee | Jacob (Co-Captain) | K.C.B. RFC | 28 | 29 |
| 15 | Njoroge | Isaac | K.C.B. RFC | 22 | 3 |
| 16 | Musila | Griffin | K.C.B. RFC | 24 | 4 |
| 17 | Njenga | Ian | Nondies RFC | 19 | 0 |
| 18 | Thairu | Melvin | Kenya Harlequin F.C. | 22 | 3 |
| 19 | Muniafu | Simon | Resolution Impala Saracens | 23 | 20 |
| 20 | Silungi | Emmanuel | Menengai Cream Homeboyz RFC | 19 | 1 |
| 21 | Onsomu | Samson | Resolution Impala Saracens | 27 | 25 |
| 22 | Odhiambo | Anthony | Resolution Impala Saracens RFC | 23 | 3 |
| 23 | Okoth | John | Top Fry Nakuru RFC | 19 | 1 |
| Average age | 22 |
Photo: Diggers Rugby Club – MEN AT WORK
