Davis Chenge to lead Simbas

Kenya Simba's Davis Chenge during a training session on April 12th 2018 at RFUEA grounds. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO |

What you need to know:

  • The Rugby Africa Gold Cup will double up as a qualifier for the 2019 World Cup in Japan.
  • Snook’s squad has five new players including Kenya Under-20 skipper Xavier Bett, who are set to earn their maiden international caps.
  • Bett and Kenya Under-20 lock Malcom Onsando, who is also set for his first international appearance, will come off the bench. Onsando is a son to former Kenya Simbas and Uganda Cranes coach Ham Onsando.

Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB’s) lock Davis Chenge will lead champions Kenya Simbas’ assault against Uganda Cranes in the first leg of Elgon Cup in Kampala.

Chenge, will captain Simbas for the first time, replacing injured Kenya Harlequin lock Wilson K’Opondo.

Kenya Simbas head coach Ian Snook, who named the 23-man squad for the Cranes duel on Wednesday in Nairobi, said K’Opondo will go through rehabilitation and is expected to be back in time for the opening match of Rugby Africa Gold Cup against host Morocco on June 23

The Rugby Africa Gold Cup will double up as a qualifier for the 2019 World Cup in Japan.

Snook’s squad has five new players including Kenya Under-20 skipper Xavier Bett, who are set to earn their maiden international caps.

Bett and Kenya Under-20 lock Malcom Onsando, who is also set for his first international appearance, will come off the bench. Onsando is a son to former Kenya Simbas and Uganda Cranes coach Ham Onsando.

Also set for debut are props Patrick Ooko (Homeboyz) and Joseph Odero (Kabras Sugar) and Kabras Sugar lock Andrew Chogo.

They will all start the duel that will be played at the Legends Rugby Club in Kampala.

Snook said eighth man Joshua Chisanga, who is currently plying his professional trade with Polish side Orkan Sochaczew, will be back in the country two weeks before the north African tour.

Besides the Elgon Cup first leg duel, Snook’s World Cup qualification preparation plans include a tour of Cape Town from June 9 to 16.

The New Zealander acknowledged that the players’ strength and conditioning had greatly improved. The team held a three-day camp in Nanyuki where they trained with the British Army last weekend.