Eden Agero (ground) supported by Cyrprian Kuto during the first-leg of the Elgon Cup in Nairobi. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya
NAIROBI, June 17 – Simba fly-half Kenny Andola and hooker Peter Kaaria are among 10 changes included in Kenya ‘A’ squad that will be seeking to defend their Elgon Cup away to Uganda.
Head coach Mitch Ochola who heads to Kampala with a slim three-point first-leg lead, has dropped scrum half Eden Agero, winger Alvin Otieno, full back Essau Otieno, front rows Brian Otieno and Nesta Okotch as well as Elkins Musonye, Elton Isiaho, Rocky Aguko, Maxwell Kang’eri and William Mawira.
Andola’s inclusion is a major boost to the team that squandered a 12-point advantage from the kick in to allow the Rugby Cranes to crawl back the difference to the eventual 20-17 win at Nairobi’s RFUEA Grounds last weekend.
“We are not under so much pressure when we head to Uganda because we have worked on our kicks that saw us concede so many penalties; we have also improved on our breakdowns so we have a lot of confidence,” captain Edwins Makori said.
KCB’s Felix Wanjala has been drafted in the starting line up to replace Agero in the scrum half whilst Ken Moseti will move inside centre to accommodate Andola with Brian Omondi dropping to the bench.
Duncan Abuyeka and Ian Minjire replace Essau Otieno and Alvin Otieno who grounded one of the tries in the first leg, at fullback and wing respectively while Sammy Motari relegates William Mawira on the bench.
Kabras Sugar’s prop Hillary Mwanjilwa, his club mate Duncan Mwangi and Kaaria start ahead of McLanhan Sikuku, Francis Akatu and George Asin who will start as substitutes.
Impala RFC’s Davis Makori gets the nod over Michael Gitau at lock to partner with Philip Owuor as Charles Omondi who touched down twice last weekend dropped from the staring XV.
Nakuru’s Dalmus Chituyi will play as the eighth man as Kenya will be seeking to stop Cranes danger man Justin Kimono and Pius Agena.
-Lioness single change-
Kenya Lioness’ Sinaida Aura is tackled during the Elgon Cup first leg against Uganda. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya
Lioness head coach, Kevin Wambua on his part has made only a single change from the team held 5-5 at home by Uganda, with Winnie Naima replacing unavailable Emily Hooper.
The team faces an uphill task away to Kampala but Wambua was positive his charges will defend the title.
“We have looked at what didn’t work for us, most notably the set pieces and line-outs as well as our decision making in the strike zone. We’ve worked hard to rectify these anomalies. My team is in good health,” Wambua declared.
“I believe moving to Uganda we will do our best since we have gelled unlike the first-leg when we had seven new faces. We have worked on our overlap and attack issue because defence was perfect. We are going to defend out title,” Philadelphia Olando who was the most valuable player in first-leg declared.
Kenya “A” squad
15.Duncan Abuyeka (Western Bulls), 14. Ian Minjire (Resolution Impala Saracens), 13. Anthony Nyandigisi (Resolution Impala Saracens), 12. Kennedy Moseti (KCB), 11. Cyprian Kuto (Pan Africa Strathmore Leos), 10. Kenny Andola (Pan Africa Strathmore Leos), 9. Felix Wanjala (KCB), 8. Dalmus Chituyi (Top Fry Nakuru), 7. Edwins Makori (Top Fry Nakuru/Captain), 6. Stafford Abeka (KCB), 5. Philip Owuor (Top Fry Nakuru), 4. Davis Makori (Resolution Impala Saracens), 3. Duncan Mwangi (Kabras Sugar), 2. Peter Kaaria (KCB), 1. Hillary Mwanjilwa (Kabras Sugar)
Replacements
16.McLanhan Sikuku (Pan Africa Strathmore Leos), 17. George Asin (KCB), 18. Francis Akatu (Mwamba), 19. Michael Gitau (Pan Africa Strathmore Leos), 20. Charles Omondi (Pan Africa Strathmore Leos), 21. Victor Wayodi (Mwamba), 22. Brian Omondi (KCB), 23. Samuel Motari (Pan Africa Strathmore Leos)
Kenya Lionesses
15.Janet Okello, 14. Sinaida Aura, 13. Janet Awuor, 12. Philadelphia Olando, 11. Linet Moraa, 10. Kate Abila, 9. Lydia Shikanda, 8. Camilyne Oyuayo (captain), 7. Everline Odero, 6. Sheila Chajira, 5. Millicent Opala, 4. Rachael Adhiambo, 3. Emily Achieng Oloo, 2. Rosehilda Kamanga, 1. Emily Adero
Replacements
16.Keziah Achieng, 17. Janet Midecha, 18. Winnie Naima, 19. Dorcas Ocholi, 20. Clementine Atieno, 21. Cynthia Camilla Atieno, 22. Sophie Ayieka, 23. Jordan Weaver
