Kenya Simbas name 13 test debutantes for Victoria Cup opener

Kenya Simbas captain George Nyambua (left) during the captains shot.[Uganda Rugby Union]

Kenya Simbas will be in action on Wednesday when they face off against Zambia at the King's Park Arena in Uganda as the Victoria Cup returns after two years’ hiatus.

Simbas return in action after six months out with their last assignment being the Currie Cup way back in May.

Led by Kenya Cup champions Carlos Katywa of Kabras and Curtis Olago of KCB, Simbas will be seeking to end the year on a high note especially after bagging mixed results during the Currie Cup.

Kenya had lost 33–22 to San Clemente Rhinos, 18–7 to Eastern Province, and 35–28 to Weltschitias of Namibia before beating Border Bulldogs (30–26) and Zimbabwe (48–7) in the Currie Cup.

The tacticians have included 13 debutantes in the Simbas squad to face Zambia

Paul Mutsami, Alfred Orege, Joel Inzuga, Hillary Mwanjilwa, Hibrahim Ayoo, Hillary Odhiambo and Jeanson Misoga all make their test debuts after being named in the side to start.

Emmanuel Otieno, Thomas Okidia, Wilhite Mususi, Brian Ndirangu, Peter Waitere and Dan Ang’wech are potentially in line for their test debuts after being named on the substitute’s bench for this tie.

Simbas v Victoria Match Day Squad

15. Jone Kubu, 14. Joel Inzuga*, 13. Bryceson Adaka, 12. Paul Mutsami*, 11. Alfred Orege*, 10, Brian Wahinya (Vice Captain), 9. Barry Young, 1. Ephraim Oduor, 2. Teddy Akala, 3. Hillary Mwanjilwa*, 4. Hibrahim Ayoo*, 5. Hillary Odhiambo* 6. George Nyambua (Captain), 7. Elkeans Musonye, 8. Jeanson Misoga*

REPLACEMENTS 16. Emmanuel Otieno*, 17. Thomas Okidia*, 18. Wilhite Mususi*, 19, Brian Ndirangu*, 20. Peter Waitere*, 21. Dan Ang’wech*, 22. Derrick Ashiundu*, 23. Andrew Matoka

NB: * denotes debutante