Rookies in Simbas squad to face Tunisia

Kabras Sugar lock George Nyambua and Impala Saracens winger Leo Seje will make their full test debuts against Tunisia in the Rugby Africa Gold Cup match on Saturday.

Speaking to Citizen Digital during the unveiling of Simbas squad to face Tunisia, team manager Wangila Simiyu said the youngsters incorporated in the team have not been thrown in the deep end, but have been given an opportunity to gain some experience.

“Our job is to get them on the benches to make sure we expose as much young men as we can because there is danger when you keep on recycling experienced and exposed players.

“With such a trend, when will the young players get a chance in the team?”paused Simiyu.

The Jerome Paarwaters coached team will be led by captain Wilson Kapondo who returns from an injury layoff assisted by his vice captain Darwin Mukidza.

Kopondo was last in action during the 29-30 loss to Germany on May 27, and Mukidza led the team as they drew Uganda in the Elgon Cup return which was also the opener of Gold Cup.

“We have brought in young boys like Steve Otieno and players who have experience in the shorter version of the game like Seje. Those are some of the players we are developing for the World Cup qualifiers,” added Wangila.

Simbas squad to face Tunisa

15.Tony Onyango, 14. Darwin Mukidza, 13. David Ambunya, 12. Leo Seje, 11. Jacob Ojee, 10. Isaac Adimo, 9. Sam Onsomu, 1. Moses Amusala, 2. Peter Karia, 3. Dennis Karani, 4. Wilson Kopondo (captain), 5. George Nyambua, 6. Eric Kerre, 7. Davis Chenge, 8. Joshua Chisanga .

Replacements 16. Philip Ikambili, 17. Oscar Simiyu, 18. Curtis Lilako, 19. Martin Owila, 20. Steve Otieno, 21. Lyle Asiligwa, 22. Kenny Andola, 23. Dennis Muhanji.

By Kenerickson Njeru and Gilbert Kiprotich