Kenya and Uganda battle for Elgon Cup

By BS MULAVI

The Kenya national 15s rugby team face a daunting task in Kampala today when they take on Uganda in the Elgon/ Victoria Cup match.

Having beaten Uganda in Nairobi a week ago, head coach Michael Otieno and his troops will be seeking to finish what they started and retain the Elgon Cup. The hosts gave Kenya a torrid first half in the first leg and were it not for a change of tactics in the second period Kenya would have easily lost the match.

Otieno had opted for a more open game as opposed to a physical duel at the forwards and it almost cost him. The coach must have learnt from his mistakes and is glad to have former captain Daniel Kiptoo back in the squad after missing the match in Nairobi.

The Kenya Harlequin front row adds experience to the pack and is a great asset in taking the ball forward as well as in set pieces. Kiptoo working together with teammate Martin Likami is bound to cause a headache to the burly Ugandan forwards.

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Also back in the team is Quins flanker Victor Oduor who replaces injured Duncan Ekasi of Impala. Oduor has been a regular of both the 7s and 15s national teams and his experience will be key in this encounter.

Missing from the squad will be Humphrey Kayange who needs a two week rest after getting a knock in the match in Nairobi as well as Ken Andola who has been replaced by Isaac Adimo.

Adimo has been hailed for his great vision and territorial play but is likely to take a back seat while Nato Simiyu takes the driving wheel.