Kenya Simbas kick-off Elgon Cup training

Kenya Simbas kicked off training on Wednesday June 5 at RFUEA as they focus on the 2019 internationals.

The Kenya Rugby Union held the Simbas trials on Saturday to select 44 players for the forthcoming internationals.

New Simbas head coach Paul Odera named Joseph Shem, Billy Omondi, Beldad Ogeta, Arcahdeus Khwesa, Vincent Onyala and Monate Akuei for the first time in the team.

Shem and Omondi impressed in the just concluded Kenya Cup while Arcadeus Khwesa lead Kenyatta University’s Blak Blad to top flight survival.

Odera has promoted Kenya U20 squad to the Simbas squad in Jeff, Frank and Mark Mutukus, Charles Tendwa of South Coast Pirates, Toby Francombe, brian Amaitsa of Nondies, KCB’s Samuel Asati and Michael Kimwele.

Kenya 7s international Collins Injera and captain Jacob Ojee also make the squad.

Those retained from the 2018 squad include Simon Muniafu, Elkeans Musonye, Samson Onsomu, George Nyambua, Oscar Sorano, Oliver Mangeni, Peter Kilonzo among others.

Kenya’s first assignment will the Elgon Cup in Kisumu against the Uganda Cranes with the return leg set for July 13 in Kampala.

Wednesday’s training focused on skills and conditioning with other sessions set to be on Monday and Fridays.

Training will continue until they leave for Kisumu.

The Simbas 2019 Squad:
Joseph Shem, Simon Muniafu, Tyson Okoth, Elkens Musonye, Samson Onsomu, Anthony Odhiambo, Billy Omondi, Beldad Ogeta, Archadeus Khwesa, Jeff Mutuku, Mark Mutuku, Dominic Coulson, Charles Tendwa, Collins Injera, Melvin Thairu, Malcolm Onsando, Fidel Oloo.

Toby Francombe, Frank Mutuku,Brian Amaitsa, Ian Njenga, Patrick Ouko, Emmanuel Silungi, Joseph Odero, Ephraim Oduor, Brian Juma, George Nyambua, Johnstone Mung’au, Cameron Coulson, Oscar Sorano.

Griffin Musila, Oliver Mang’eni, Francis Mwita, Vincent Onyala, Samuel Asati, Michael Wanjala, Peter Kilonzo, George Maranga, Michael Kimwele, Geoffrey Okwach, Jacob Ojee, Isaac Njoroge, Monate Akuei, John Okoth

-Story by Kenya Rugby Union