Ayumba Ayodi
21 June 2011
Nairobi — Seven youngsters have been called up to the national rugby team for the first time as Michael “Tank” Otieno named his final squad of 22 to face Zimbabwe in their Victoria Cup match on Saturday in Harare.
The players caught the eyes of the selectors when they lived a memorable mark during the Bamburi Rugby Super Series (BRSS).
They also staged splendid appearances for Kenya Select and Kenya Team respectively against visiting Mpumalanga Pumas from South Africa.
The team that has 10 players, who didn’t feature for Kenya in their historic 23-18 victory away in Harare last year, is made up of players from four Kenya Cup clubs.
The team that is ideally a blend of youth and experience leaves on Wednesday at 9am and will have three training sessions before their clash with The Sables.
Kenya Cup champions Kenya Harlequin provide the bulk of the team with 12 players Impala have six, Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) three while Nondies one.
“The selection wasn’t based on which club they come from but their contribution and positions,” said Otieno.
“Most come from Kenya Cup champions, Quins that also constitute BRSS champions Rhinos,” said Otieno.
The most noticeable picks for the Victoria Cup title defence are Cheetahs/Impala centre Anthony Nyandigisi and Rhinos/Quins Allan Omuka, who will start in the first leg match that has been moved from the rugby heart of Bulawayo to Harare.
Omuka and Nyandigisi had stellar performances not only for their respective franchises but also for Kenya Select and Kenya Team against the Pumas with Omuka scoring a try for Kenya Select.
The newcomers who will be on the bench are forwards Moses Amusala (Lions/KCB) and Martin Likami (Rhinos/Quins), who chalked a breathtaking show against the Pumas.
Others are Rhinos/Quins backs David Muhanji , who scored a brace of tries for Kenya Select against the Pumas, Edwin Achayo and Isaac Adimo.
“The inclusion of these youngsters is in line with our deliberate succession plan,” affirmed Otieno. Winger Victor Sudi has taken over the armband from his injured brother centre Innocent Simiyu.
More so, Otieno has brought in some players who didn’t feature in Kenya’s historic victory against Zimbabwe in Harare last year.
Mwanja’s return
They are flanker Dennis “Ironman” Mwanja and deputy skipper lock Michael Aung (Nondies).
The noticeable exclusion especially in forward are sevens international Oscar Ouma (Nakuru), Andrew Amonde (KCB) and Lawreance Buyachi (Impala).
Others are Edwin Alubaka (KCB), Ronnie Mwenesi (KCB), and Nzioka Muema (Quins) who are either injured or out of form.
Quins backs David Ambunya, who in on studies in South Africa, injured Patrice Agunda and Calvin Biko, who injured his shoulder against Pumas will miss action.
“We are stronger in forwards as opposed to last year,” said Otieno.
“The return of Mwanja from injury and the rise of Likami is quite a revelation because their ability to carry the ball and steadiness on feet.”
After watching Zimbabwe beat Uganda and Madagascar in the Confederation of Africa Rugby (CAR) Africa Cup second tier, Otieno reckoned that they are strong in set-pieces, line-outs, kick-offs and scrummages.
“Their wingers are pretty fast and we have to watch out since they are definitely on a high,” explained Otieno.
The Sables beat Cranes 25-15 in a match that doubled for Victoria Cup. They went ahead to outclass Madagascar 49-0 to win the CAR event.
AllAfrica – All the Time
Originally posted here:
Kenya: Seven New Players in the Team to Take on Zimbabwe