NAIROBI, Kenya, November 9- KCB RFC and Nguvu Lions fullback Matthew Musita will make his full international debut when Kenya play Tunisia in the Confederation of African Rugby (CAR) Cup final on Saturday.
Musita was among the 22 man-squad named by Kenya head coach, Mitch Ocholla on Wednesday as he urged his 15s side to emulate their 7s counterparts in uplifting the game.
Kenya Harlequin and UAP Rhinos winger Victor Sudi retains the captain’s arm band with regulars such as Ronnie Mwenesi (Lions), Curtis Lilako (Lions), Charles Kanyi (SDV Cheetahs) and Brian Okwomi (Nguvu Sharks) also being named.
“We are going for nothing short of victory since the 15s game needs a lift in this country and it will also help improve in our IRB rankings. Tunisia will not give us an easy game but we are ready and I believe this team can do the required job,” Ochola said.
On Musita, the coach added, “His game has improved and we want to start breeding the next crop of players who will take the team places. We have a target of trying to qualify for the 2015 World Cup and more youngsters will be incorporated in the team.”
The match will be start at the Rugby Football Union of East Africa Grounds at 4pm local time (+3GMT) in a competition watered down by the withdrawals of Morocco and this year’s Rugby World Cup whipping boys Namibia.
“We would have wished for them to be here to give us a competitive edge but even without their coming, the importance of this trophy is not diminished,” the head coach charged.
Tunisia are already in the country preparing for the tie.
KENYA SQUAD
1. Joel Nganga – UAP Rhinos
2. Vincent Ongera – UAP Rhinos
3. Dennis Karani – SDV Cheetahs
4. Anthony Mutai – UAP Rhinos
5. Ronnie Mwenesi – Lions
6. Duncan Ekasi – SDV Cheetahs
7. Andrew Amonde – Lions
8. Brian Okwomi – Nguvu Sharks
9. Charles Kanyi – SDV Cheetahs
10. Linus Simiyu – SDV Cheetahs
11. Victor Sudi – UAP Rhinos [Captain]
12. Patrice Agunda – UAP Rhinos
13. Anthony Nyandigisi – SDV Cheetahs
14. Vincent Mose – SDV Cheetahs
15. Mathew Musita – Lions
16. Curtis Lilako – Lions
17. Daniel Kiptoo – UAP Rhinos
18. Dennis Mwanja – Lions
19. Kevin Umbuge – SDV Cheetahs
20. Peter Mutai – Lions
21. Isaac Adimo – UAP Rhinos
22. Kelvin Omiyo – UAP Rhinos
MANAGEMENT
1. Michael Otieno – Head Coach
2. Edward Kinyany – Assistant Coach
3. Charles Ngovi – Assistant Coach
4. Wangila Simiyu – Team Manager
5. Chris Makachia – Physiotherapist
