KCB seek to silence ‘Deejays’ in Impala Club semis reunion
KCB players pose with the Main Cup trophy after beating Impala Saracens in the final of the Impala floodlit at Imapala grounds on November 18, 2017. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU |
What you need to know:
- KCB overcame Mwamba 25-10 in the quarter-finals last weekend to advance, while Homeboyz saw off Nakuru 37-30 to set up the thrilling clash that starts at 7.30pm
- KCB coach Curtis Olago has made seven changes as he eyes a repeat of last year’s semi-finals where they needed a drop goal to beat the ‘Deejays’ 18-16 on their way to the final
- Homeboyz coach Simon Odongo, who is expecting a highly physical game against KCB, has brought Kenya Sevens trialists Charles Omondi, Johnston Olindi, Mark Wandetto and Brian Wandera back to his backline
Champions Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) and Homeboyz have made significant changes ahead of Saturday's Impala Floodlit tournament semi-final match at Impala Sports Club in Nairobi.
KCB overcame Mwamba 25-10 in the quarter-finals last weekend to advance, while Homeboyz saw off Nakuru 37-30 to set up the thrilling clash that starts at 7.30pm.
At the same time, hosts Impala Saracens and Strathmore Leos have also made key changes to their squads ahead for their semi-final clash starting at 5.50pm.
KCB coach Curtis Olago has made seven changes as he eyes a repeat of last year’s semi-finals where they needed a drop goal to beat the ‘Deejays’ 18-16 on their way to the final. KCB eventually beat Impala 18-17 in the final to lift the title.
Olago has brought in former Kenya Sevens skipper Andrew Amonde, Martin Owillah, Calvin Sule for Brian Nyikuli and Manase Oduor to bolster his forward department. Darwin Mukidza, Stafford Abeka, Peter Kilonzo and Otieno twins of Essau and Alphas have been brought in to give the bankers’ backline some impetus.
“We want to give everybody a chance to show what they can do before we can make to final selection ahead of the Kenya Cup season,” said Olago. “I want to see how every player will adapt to our new system of play.”
Homeboyz coach Simon Odongo, who is expecting a highly physical game against KCB, has brought Kenya Sevens trialists Charles Omondi, Johnston Olindi, Mark Wandetto and Brian Wandera back to his backline.
Bruce Shihemi, Elphas Etemesi, Abel Matanda and John Gichui are also back in Homeboyz’s forward line in place of Thomas Okidia, Philip Ikambili, Patrick Yugi and Dalmas Chituyi who are away with Kenya Simbas.
Also out are scrum-half Mohammed Omollo, who has been replaced by Michael Nyakundi, and centres Maxwell Kang’eri and Zeden Maro.
“Our matches with KCB have always been close and physical. We intend to match their physicality, then throw in a couple of surprises to get an edge over them,” said Odongo.
Impala beat Kenya Harlequin 20-15 while Strathmore overcame Nondescripts 25-23 in the other quarterfinal matches last weekend.
Edgar Obino comes in for Wekesa Soita as prop while Samson Onsomu, who came from the bench against Quins gets to start at scrum-half. Dave Moenga has been rested for Billy Omondi at left wing.
Strathmore Leos’ John Mbai has handed Mathews Matirii his first start at second row while Philemon Olang has been replaced by Barnabas Owuor at open-side with Antony Ambani set to start on the blind-side.
John Juma has relegated Albert Obura to the bench at left-wing.
Nakuru play Quins while Mwamba are up against Nondies in the Plate semi-finals at 4:10pm and 2.30pm respectively at the Impala Sports Club.
