The Kenya 15’s Rugby team technical bench has made two changes to the team that will play Uganda tomorrow in the return leg of the Elgon Cup.
The encounter will double up as the Africa Gold Cup qualifier for both teams.
England-based Joshua Chisanga has been given the nod to start at number eight while Isaac Adimo slots in at number ten; replacing Biko Adema who has work commitments.
Both Adimo and Chisanga started on the bench two weeks ago in Kampala. Captain Wilson Kopondo remains sidelined but has since resumed training with the national team.
There were more changes to the bench with Stephen Otieno and Brad Owako being given a chance.
However, Martin Owilla has been dropped from match day squad. Team Manager Wangila Simiyu said they have been forced to rest some players due to busy schedule ahead.
“Owila played quiet but as we go forward, we will have a bigger squad. We have a very busy schedule ahead of us and that’s why we are trying young men like Stephen Otieno. Owilla has not been dropped, he is still part of the team,” said Wangila.
The first leg of the Elgon Cup saw Kenya win by a margin of five points, beating Uganda 23-18 and Wangila is certain the match is far from over.
However, he said they have worked on things they felt almost cost them victory in Kampala.
“Concentration has been one of our main undoing and we are working on that. Over confidence is another factor which cost us in first half and this time round the boys know what it is at stake. Ugandans have improved and they’ve not been sleeping but working hard,” he added.
Ken Andola was also given the nod to start on the bench alongside the likes of George Nyambua and Curtis Lilako. Once again, Eric Kere has retained his place at number six while Simon Muniafu will partner Oliver Mang’eni at second row.
The two sides clashed last year at the same venue in a match which Kenya won 45-24 to reclaim the Elgon Cup, which they had lost the previous year.
Uganda arrived in the country yesterday having made one change to the side that lost in Kampala.
The team’s technical bench expects Wilson Kopondo to be back for the Tunisia game which will be played on July 8.
“He responded to training quite well yesterday and wanted to play this weekend.
However, we want a 100 percent fit player and therefore we can’t risk with him for this game,” Wangila noted.
In his absence, Darwin Mukidza will once again lead the team.