Kopondo, Oduor makes Simbas return

Kenya Simbas head coach Ian Snook has named a strong 33-man squad  to begin preparations for November’s Rugby World Cup repechage tournament in Marseille, France.

The squad sees the inclusion of new faces Thomas Okidia, Ephraim Oduor and Elvis Namusasi.

Former captain Wilson Kopondo who missed the entire Gold Cup campaign makes a return to the squad while Curtis Lilako, Oscar Simiyu, Isaac Adimo, Edmund Anya and Erick Kerre are all omitted.

The team reports to camp on Monday in preparation for the fixture.

FORWARDS:

Props: Patrick Ouko (Menengai Cream Homeboyz), Moses Amusala (KCB), Thomas Okidia (Menengai Cream Homeboyz), Ephraim Oduor (Kabras Sugar), Joseph Odero (Kabras Sugar), Hillary Mwanjilwa (Kabras Sugar)

Hookers: Colman Were (Kabras Sugar), Peter Karia (KCB), Philip Ikambili (Menengai Cream Homeboyz)

Locks: Wilson Kopondo (Kenya Harlequin),  Andrew Chogo (Kabras Sugar), Oliver Mang’eni (KCB), Malcolm Onsando (Kenya Harlequin)

BACKS

Backrow: George Nyambua (Kabras Sugar), Dalmus Chituyi (Menengai Cream Homeboyz), Elkeans Musonye (Strathmore Leos), Davis Chenge (KCB), Martin Owilah (KCB)

Scrum halves: Samson Onsomu (Resolution Impala Saracens), Mohamed Omollo (Menengai Cream Homeboyz), Xavier Kipng’etich (Resolution Impala Saracens)

Fly Halves: Darwin Mukidza (KCB), Elvis Namusasi (Regional Logistics Mombasa)

Centers: Leo Seje (Resolution Impala Saracens), Maxwell Kang’eri ( Menengai Cream Homeboyz), Peter Kilonzo (KCB), Zedden Marrow (Menengai Cream Homeboyz), Felix Ayange ( Kabras Sugar)

Back Three: Tony Onyango (Menengai Cream Homeboyz), Vincent Mose (Resolution Impala Saracens), Jacob Ojee (KCB), William Ambaka (Kenya Harlequins)

Utility: Biko Adema (Nondescripts)