Top guns lead 15s troops against South Africans

Patrice Agunda, Lavin Asego and Collins Injera dance for a try at the World Cup last year. They will play for 15s today.

Kenya 15s head coach Jerome Parwaters, has named a strong squad for today’s high profile international friendly against visiting South African side Western Province, at the RFUEA grounds.

The Imonyi siblings Humphrey Kayange, Collins Injera and Michael Agevi have all been included in the team that recently featured in the Vodacom Cup as well as their Kenya 7s teammates Lavin Asego, Patrice Agunda and French-based explosive winger William Ambaka who’is returning to the national team for the first time since propelling Kenya to a fourth place finish in the Rugby World Cup Sevens in Moscow last year.

However, Kenya will miss the services of the quartet of Joshua Chesanga, Maxwell Adaka, Isaac Adimu and Joseph Kang’ethe who’re still recuperating from injuries ahead of the 2015 African Cup-cum-World Cup qualifiers to be played in Madagascar in June.

In an interview with FeverPitch, the South African admitted he’s expecting a tough test against his former employers.

“The preparations have been fantastic and the availability of seven Shujaa players is a big boost to us. For me, it’ll be more than a friendly, and I expect a very tough, but exciting game for the spectators to watch, and also for us to gauge ourselves ahead of the Madagascar trip,” said Parwaters. “I’ve worked with Western Province and  it’s a young team but very strong.”

After the build-up, the tactician said the team will pitch camp in Nanyuki from June 15 where he’ll  trim down his current 35-man squad to 26 before traveling to Madagascar for Tri-Nation event.

“Our target has been to prepare the team to qualify for the World Cup  and that’s still our objective,’’ said Parwaters.

Commenting on Ambaka’s return, he said: “Having played in a 15s team and more so in France, he is a great asset to us and his French experience would be invaluable.”

This fixture will be preceded by Bamburi Rugby Super Series final pitting Nguvu Papa against UAP Kifaru at 1.30pm.

Squads Kenya: Moses Amusala, Sammy Warui, James Kang’ethe, Oliver Mange’ni, Wilson Kopondo (captain), Michael Okombe, Davis Chenge, Martin Owila, Michael  Wanjala, Lavin Asego, Patrice Agunda, Humphrey Kayange, Collins Injera and Michael Agevi.

Replacements: Duncan Mwangi, Curtis Lilako, Isaiah Nyariki, Emmanuel Mavala, Ronnie Mwenesi, Brian Nyikuli, Andrew Amonde, Tony Owour, Llye Asiligwa, Kenny Andola, Billy Odhiambo, Nick Barasa, Fabian Olando, Tony Onyango, Cyprian Kuto and Leonard Mugaisi.