By BS Mulavi
The Kenya male and female national rugby teams are in high spirits ahead of their matches against Uganda on Sunday for the Elgon Cup at the Kasarani grounds.
These matches act as the first leg of the tournament that has become an annual event for the two countries. Speaking to our sister publication ‘Game Yetu’, the males’ assistant coach Charles Ngovi expressed his confidence against the Ugandans.
“We are better prepared than we were last year,” he said.
“During the Super Series most Kenyan teams taking part in the tournament struggled in the Line Outs, but we have since sorted that out and I know we can contest well against the Ugandans,” he added.
“Our scrums are quite good, the boys have been conditioned for quite some time and the odds are looking quite good for us” he concluded.
Good shape
The males’ category will be preceded by the women’s game. According to the womens’ coach Kevin Wambua they are in good shape to successfully defend their title.
“The Elgon Cup is very important to us,” he explained. “This is because whoever wins it will play against South Africa to determine who will make it to the World Cup next year,” he added.
Speaking during a press briefing at the match venue yesterday head coach Jerome Paarwater said: “We are looking to make the most of our homeground advantage and register a positive result against our opponents.”
Men Squad:Joseph Kang’ethe, Sammy Warui, James Kang’ethe, onnie Mwenesi, Oliver Mang’eni, Michael Okombe, Brian Nyikuli (captain), Joshua Chisanga, Edwin Achayo, Isaac Adimo, Cyprian Kuto, Nichodemus Barasa, Michael Agevi, Dennis Muhanji, Vincent Mose. Subs: Curtis Lilako, Isaiah Nyariki, Dennis Karani, Anthony Mutai, David Mogere, Lyle Asiligwa, Kenny Andola and Sammy Oliech.
Women squad: Camilyne Oyayo, Janet Midecha, Rebecca Kerubo, Rachel Adhiambo, Shanice Gaikumi, Sheila Chajira, Angela Olum, Adelaide Nasambu, Rosehilda Kamanga, Dorcas Ocholi, Evelyne Odero, Vivian Cheserek, Laventar Ogutu, Doreen Nziwa (captain), Mary Musieka, Catherine Abilla, Philadelphia Olando, Celestine Masinde, Janet Owino, Irene Otieno, Janet Okello, Linda Anyango, Robinah Wambui and Linda Nandwa.
Order of Play: 1.30pm Mean Machine v Blak Blad, 3.30pm Kenya v Uganda (Women Elgon Cup), 6.00pm Kenya v Uganda (Men).
