The Kenya “A” Rugby squad will run out the dugout at the RFUEA Grounds in the Kenyan capital Nairobi, confident of grabbing another smooth victory in the first leg of the 2015 Elgon Cup against Uganda Rugby Cranes.
The side are expected to boast of support from the fans from all over the country, as well as their invincibility at home, having thumped Uganda 34-00 the last time the two sides met at the same grounds.
Kenya are completely ready to replicate last year’s performance according to Kenya “A” team manager Newton Ongalo who revealed that his side “are hungry for success and are keen to excel” as they look forward to retain the Elgon Cup.
The side have recruited new faces to the squad that will line up to face Cranes including some youngsters that have developed from the Chipu (Kenya U-19s).
Kenyan reports indicate Cyprian Kuto, a new graduate from Kenya Sevens and Simbas respectively is set to make a debut for the Kenya “A” side, while Edwins Makori, Philip KWame, Rocky Aguko, Eden Agero, Ken Moseti,Elkins Musonye and Felix Wanjala are likely not make appearances.
The Rugby Cranes last won the Elgon Cup in 2012 and the timing of this edition comes at a trying moment following the resignation of new coach Joe Beukes due to business engagements in South Africa.
Interim coach and former Rugby Cranes player, Robert Seguya is currently in charge of the team and promised to be heedful of Kenya’s lethality.
“We are going to be very cautious because we want to get a good result,” he told media.
Seguya will have to disprove critics since loss in the final of the 2014 Rugby series with the Protectors franchise. Coach Allan Musoke’s Crocs claimed the top honors with a narrow 17-19 victory.
Prop Collins Kimbowa, lock Arthur Mpande and centre Ramathan Govule are the new faces on the Cranes squad while Scott Oluoch, Justin Kimono and Micheal Wokorach are returning to boost the team experience.
Lawrence Ssebuliba is expected to carry on with his form he had in the recently concluded Uganda rugby Premiership with Heathens if he is given chance to start, along side hooker Alex Mubiru and lock/flank Mathias Ochwo.
Meanwhile the Uganda Lady Cranes are targeting victory against the Kenya Lionesses, having lost to the outfit last year both home and away.
The Lionesses emerged 15-33 winners over Uganda in the first leg at Kyadondo Rugby Grounds, before proceeding to Kenya where the side won the second leg of tournament in Nairobi, Kenya 39-10.
The Ugandans missed inspiration from former Captain and Rugby Legend Helen Buteme who retired less than a month to the showdown following 11 years of distinguished service as a player for the national side.
The Lady Rugby Cranes last lifted the Elgon Cup in 2013, when they overcame the Lionesses, winning the Cup 30-26 on aggregate. They overturned a 17 -18 loss to win 13-8, before claiming the ‘Holy grail’.
Coach Allan Musoke aims to make a mark with this side after impressing with Kobs, in the recent Rugby Premiership season. He is confident he will lead them through a successful campaign.
Uganda Rugby Cranes Men’s team
Brian Odong, Asuman Mugerwa, Dennis Mullo, Alex Mubiru, Cyrus Watum, Ronald Musajja, Scott Oluoch, Dennis Mugambe, Charles Uhuru, Collins Kimbowa, Pius Ogena, Mathias Ochwo, Arthur Mpande, David Kyewalabye, Oscar Kalyango, Chris Lubanga, Justin Kimono, Michael Wokorach, Kevin Makmot, Joseph Aredo, Ramathan Govle, Lawrence Sebuliba and Gerard Sewankambo
Coaches: Robert Seguya, Anthony Kinene
Kenya “A” team
McLanhan Sikuku, George Asin, Francis Akatu, Michael Gitau, Philip Owuor, Stafford Abeka, Edwins Makori, Charles Omondi, Eden Agero, Kennedy Moseti, Cyprian Kuto, Brian Omondi, Anthony Nyandigisi, Alvin Otieno, Essau Otieno, Brian Otieno, Nesta Okotch, Elkins Musonye, Elton Isiaho, Rocky Aguko, Victor Wayodi, Max Kang’eri, William Mawira
Coaches: Mitch Ocholla, Curtis Olago
Uganda Rugby Lady Cranes team
Irene Zigge Irene, Scovia Aketo, Peace Mirembe, Fiona Nalubwama, Charity Atimango, Claire Anena, Fortunate Irankunda, Hellen Gizamba Hellen, Emmanuella Oroma, Stella Kyalikunda, Prossy Nakakande Prossy, Mary Nakanyike, Peace Wokorach, Charlotte Mudoola Charlotte, Harriet Kayonjo, Mathilda Tino Matilda, Brenda Kayiyi, Asha Nakityo, Hildah Nyiraguhirwa Hildah, Samiya Ayikoru Samiya, Rachael Babirye, Grace Auma and Mary Kyoita.
Coaches: Allan Musoke, Helen Koyokoyo Buteme
Kenya Lionesses team
Emily Adero, Rosehilda Kamanga, Emily Achieng Oloo, Racheal Adhiambo, Millicent Opala, Sheila Chajiga, Evelyn Odera, Camyline Oyuayo, Lydia Shikanda, Kate Abila, Linet Moraa, Philadelphia Olando, Janet Awuor, Sinaida Aura, Janet Akello, Keziah Achieng, Janet Midecha, Imogen Emily Hooper, Dorcas Ocholi, Clementine Atieno, Cynthia Camila, Sophie Ayieka, Jordan Weaver
Coaches: Kevin Wambua, Mike Shamiah
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