Sports

102 players to contest for Simbas’ slots

Tuesday, May 4th, 2021 00:00 | By
Simbas forward Elkeans Musonye shakes off a tackle by a Zambian player during the 2019 Victoria Cup return match at the RFUEA grounds in Nairobi. Photo/PD/ALEX NJUE

Kenya Simbas head coach Paul Odera will give 102 players a chance to try out for his 30-man squad that will represent the country  during the 2021 Rugby Africa Cup.

Simbas are scheduled to host Senegal and Zambia in Nairobi in two months’ time and relief came on Labour Day when the President announced sports resumption after a coronavirus-induced break.

Simbas will step in the field after a couple of weekly sessions held via Zoom with players completing the tasks provided by coach Paul Odera,  strength and conditioning coach Mike Owino and emotional intelligence sessions by Nandi Kegode.

 “The squad includes those named in 2020 as well as additional players selected using footage and data from the current Kenya Cup season which was suspended on March 26 and international matches for overseas-based players.

Chairman of selectors Kirori Mindo, fellow selectors Victor Sudi and Mitch Ocholla looked at six protocols on attack and defense,” said Odera.

 Among the notable players picked from the 2021 Kenya Cup season set to resume in the fifth round this month include Blak Blad prop Collins Obure, former Kenya Chipu and current Homeboyz flanker-cum-hooker Stanley Isogol, Kabras captain Dan Sikuta and his sibling Steve Sikuta of Mwamba.

Interesting call ups include American Rugby Premiership side Old Blues Rugby’s new signing Monate Akuei who scored five tries on Saturday and ex-Fijian and current Kabras Sugar fly half Jone Kubu.

 The squad also has 11 players from clubs outside our borders and one unattached player. Four players from championship sides are also in the mix and will contest for the 30 slots against experienced oldguards.

The four championship side players include USIU-A outside centre Eliud Mulakoli, Max Omondi of Catholic Monks, Andrew Odhiambo of Western Bulls and Charles Tendwa of South Coast Pirates.

It will be a new experience for the championship players who are new in the set up.

Charles Tendwa convinced coach Odera having served the tactician for two seasons in Kenya Chipu and a stint with Simbas where he won the previous Elgon Cup and also featured in the Victoria Cup.

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