Paarwater names Kenya Simba rugby team: Khayange out, thirteen new players called up to the squad

[PHOTO: COURTESY]

Kenya Simba coach Jerome Paarwater has included thirteen debutants in his final 36-man squad for this year’s international assignments.

Simba’s international calendar kicks off on May 27 with a home test against Germany at the RFUEA Grounds.

The players who are in line of their full test debuts include George Asin, Leo Seje, James Kubasu, Bramwell Mayaka, Elkeans Musonye, Alex Olaba, Oscar Simiyu, Philip Ikambili, Brad Owako, George Nyambua and Peter Kilonzo.

Others are Steve Otieno and Benjamin Marshall who were part of the Kenya U20 squad that finished second at last week’s Africa U20 championships in Madagascar. Conspicuously missing from the squad is Nato Simiyu, Nick Barasa, Antony Orege, McLanhan Sikuku, Roxy Suchi, Edwin Achayo and Humphrey Khayange who has been sidelined with an injury.

“While qualification for 2019 remains a priority for us, we are looking beyond that by blending in younger players, including those from the U20s,” said Team Manager Wangila Simiyu who also indicated that Wilson Kopondo is very likely to return to the captaincy.

Wangila further revealed that the team will hold a 10-day residential camp in Cape Town, South Africa between May 11 and 21 in preparation for the Africa Cup as well as next year’s World Cup qualifiers.

Kenya Commercial Bank duo of Oliver Mang’eni and Jacob Ojee have been recalled to the team as well as Kenny Andola and Ronnie Mwenesi.