Kenya Simbas to hold trials

Kenya Simbas trials for Africa Gold Cup-cum-2019 Japan World Cup qualifiers start on Sunday at the RFUEA ground.

The trials, which will be conducted by national coaches Ian Snook and Murray Roulston, will be played in four phases of 30 minutes each starting at 2.30pm.

Team manager Wangila Simiyu said the majority of players will play for a maximum of 60 minutes with the coaches expected to come up with a squad of 35 players.

Wangila said the trials will be completed on May 6 where the squad will be finalised for the championship that will also be part of the annual Elgon Cup battle between Kenya and Uganda.

Wangila said the coaches will be looking for players who demonstrate a consistent high work rate, make good decisions and strong shoulder dominant tackles. “They must demonstrate an awareness of team play,” said Wangila.

The teams have been split to two with Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) coach Curtis Olago and his Homeboyz counterpart Paul Murunga handling the first team.

Impala Saracens coach Frank Ndong and Kabras Sugar’s Charles Cardovillis will take charge of the second team where each team has 31 players.

Kenya Simbas journey to the 2019 Japan World Cup starts against Morocco in an Africa Gold Cup clash that will double up as the qualifier on June 23 in Casablanca, Morocco.

The Simbas will host Zimbabwe in Nairobi on June 30 before again hosting neighbours Uganda on July 7.

The chase for continental supremacy will resume on August 11 when the Simbas host Tunisia in Nairobi but their away clash against Rugby Africa Gold Cup champions Namibia on August 11 which will perhaps decide Africa’s second representative to the 2019 World Cup after South Africa.

Team 1

Coaches Paul Murunga and Curtis Olago

Oscar Simiyu, Moses Amusala, Joshua Matasi, Coleman Were, Frank Khalwale, Dennis Karani, James Wanjala, Isaiah Nyariki, Wilson Kopondo, Oliver Mangeni, Philip Kwame, George Nyambua, Peter Waitere, Davis Chenge, Steven Otieno, Mike Wanjala, Mohammed Omollo, Biko Adema, Levi Amunga, Isaac Adimo, Felix Ayange, Brad Owako, Max Kang’eri, Johnstone Mungau, Israel Soi, Dennis Muhanji, Aggrey Kitoi, Vincent Mose, Edmund Anya.

Team 2

Coaches Frank Ndong and Charles Cardovillis

Thomas Okidia, Joseph Odero, Philip Ikambili, George Asin, Francis Mutuku, Patrick Ouko, Nelson Nyandat, Melvin Thairu, Eric Kerre, Malcolm Onsando, Andrew Chogo, Elkeans Musonye, Levi Ochieng, Peter Misango, Peter Karia, Martin Owila, Gabriel Adero, Samson Onsomu, Xavier Kipngetich, Michael Kimwele, Nato Simiyu, Henry Ayah, Jacob Ojee, Nick Barasa, Leo Seje Owade, Peter Kilonzo, David Ambunya, Tony Onyango, Dennis Ombachi, Darwin Mukidza, Michael Wanjala.