Habimana oozes confidence ahead of World Cup trial

Simbas assistant head coach Dominique Habimana is confident of beating Canada when the two sides lock horns on November 11 in the World Cup repechage tournament.

Speaking to Citizen Digital, Habimana said he is sure his charges will overpower their opponents having had a long training.

“The training has been successful and the boys are ready so it’s just a matter of putting the things we trained in place a face our opponents fiercely.”

After battling the Canadians, Simbas will face Hong Kong on November 17 and Germany on November 23, with the winner earning a ticket to the 2019 World Cup set for Japan.

“We have played these teams before in the past and for us is just to take each game at a time.”

Habimana praised the inclusion of Collins Injera, Andrew Amonde, Samuel Oliech, Willy Ambaka and Nelson Oyoo from the Kenya 7s side saying they will add experience in the team.

The Simbas will have a warm up match against  Romania on Sunday, in what is expected to be a curtain raiser ahead of repechage.

“This game will help us a lot since the Romanians have a lot of skills equal to that of the Germans and the Canadians so it will be like a scale meter for us.”

The friendly match will be held in Bucharest on the Rugby Stadium in the Ghencea Sports Complex from 15:00 (EAT).

After Romania, Kenya Simbas will fly to Marseille for the repechage.

The 23-man squad jets out tonight at 7pm for Romania from where they’ll then fly France for the tourney.

KENYA SIMBAS SQUAD

Forwards

Hookers: Ephraim Oduor, Coleman Were, Philip Ikambili.

Props: Patrick Ouko, Moses Amusala, Joseph Odero, Hillary Mwanjilwa.

Locks: Oliver Mangeni, Wilson Kopondo, Malcolm Onsando, Simon Muniafu.

Loose forwards: Andrew Omonde, , Davis Chenge, Martin Owilah, George Nyambua, Dalmus Chituyi, Elkeans Musonye, Joshua Chisanga

Backs

Half-backs: Samson Onsomu, Mohammed Omollo.

First five-Eighths: Sammy Oliech, Darwin Mukidza, Collins Injera.

Midfielders: Leo Seje Owade, Peter Kilonzo

Outside Backs: Nelson Oyoo, Felix Ayange, William Ambaka, Tony Onyango, William Reeve.

Team Management: Ian Snook (Head Coach), Murray Roulston (Coach), Wangila Simiyu (Team Manager), Christopher Makachia (Team Physiotherapist), Charles Ngovi (Assistant Coach), Dominique Habimana (Assistant Coach), James Ondiege (Team Doctor) Edwin Boit (Team Analyst)