NAIROBI, Kenya, March 3 – Five new players have been called up to the Kenya 15s provisional squad that will prepare for several international assignments in 2011.
Strathmore University’s Ken Andola and Isaac Adimu from Kenya Harlequins are the new faces that will join 33 other players for training that starts on March 14 at the RFUEA grounds.
The other new players are Impala’s Anthony Nyandigisi, Dennis Ombachi from Mwamba and KCB outside back Mathew Musita.
“We did not want to wait until the end of the Bamburi Super Series to select a side because we have a very short break until the Victoria Cup starts so we decided to start our preparations early,” said Kenya coach Michael Otieno.
Innocent Simiyu will continue to captain the team in what sets out to be one the team’s toughest seasons that also includes the Confederation of African Rugby (CAR) Africa Cup which Kenya will host.
“Our main focus now is to build towards the CAR tournament and then use it as a springboard to improve our rankings and qualify for the World Cup in 2015,” said Otieno.
First up for Kenya will the Victoria Cup clash against Zimbabwe on June 25 in Bulawayo, a location which Otieno believes was picked for a specific purpose.
“Zimbabwe are still hurting from the fact we beat them in Harare last year so I’m not surprised they have moved this game to Bulawayo because it’s the hotbed of Zimbabwe rugby,” said the former KCB tactician.
Kenya secured their first victory on Zimbabwe soil last year when they beat the host 23-18 at the Harare Sports Club.
The return leg will be in Nairobi on July 23.
Otieno’s side will also be defending the Elgon Cup against arch rivals Uganda starting in Nairobi on July 9 then in Kampala on July 16.
The CAR tournament takes place between November 7-12 when Kenya hosts Namibia, Morocco and Tunisia.
Kenya Squad:
Daniel Kiptoo (Kenya Harlequins), Joel Nganga (Kenya Harlequins), Vincent Ongera (Kenya Harlequins), Dennis Abenga (Impala), Edwin Alubaka (KCB), Derrick Wamalwa (KCB), Curtis Likalo (KCB), Ronnie Mwenesi (KCB), Jared Owino (Kenya Harlequins), Wilson Kopondo (Kenya Harlequins), Anthony Mutai (Kenya Harlequins), Andrew Amonde (KCB), Oscar Ouma (Nakuru), David Mogere (Kenya Harlequins), Max Adaga (KCB), Victor Oduor (Kenya Harlequins), Mike Aung (Nondiescripts), Lawrence Buyachi (Impala), Duncan Ekasi (Impala), Moses Kola (Impala), Charles Kanyi (Nondiescripts), Peter Mutai (KCB), Nato Simiyu (Impala), Isaac Andimu (Kenya Harlequins), Ken Andola (Strathmore University), Patrice Agunda (Kenya Harlequins), Peter Abuoga (Kenya Harlequins), Victor Sudi (Kenya Harlequins), Vincent Mose (Impala), Kelvin Omiyo (Impala), Anthony Nyandigisi (Impala), Dennis Ombachi (Mwamba), Innocent Simiyu (Impala), Calvin Biko (KCB), Mathew Musita (KCB)
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