•The former Strathmore Leos and Kenya under 20 coach said playing the Currie Cup for the next three months will test the players' resolve both physically and mentally and it will be ideal preparation for the Rugby World Cup qualifiers in France
•Five players are unavailable for the tour due to work and school commitments. They include Toby Francombe, Malcolm Onsando, Michael Wanjala, Barry Robinson, and Michael Kimwele.
Image: FILE
The Kenya Simbas squad has been whittled down to 60 players ahead of departure to South Africa for the Currie Cup later this month.
Paul Odera's charges will go into training camp from Saturday to finalise their preparations for their opening match against South African provincial outfit Vall.
“We have five days of intense preparations. Our training has not been that smooth but the boys are excited and relishing the challenge ahead. From the training camp, the squad will be whittled down to 35 which will then depart on April 6 for South Africa."
He said: “The next four days will be quite tough as we look at combination, depth, structure and assess the players' form to see those who deserve to be starting for our opening match,” said Odera.
The former Strathmore Leos and Kenya under-20 coach said playing the Currie Cup for the next three months will test the players' resolve both physically and mentally and it will be ideal preparation for the Rugby World Cup qualifiers in France.
"We are playing the top sides in South Africa as well as Zimbabwe, Georgia and that will aid our preparation for the qualifiers which we know will be competitive.”
Five players are unavailable for the Tour due to work and school commitments. They include Toby Francombe, Malcolm Onsando, Michael Wanjala, Barry Robinson, and Michael Kimwele.
Loosehead Props: Ian Njenga (Nondescripts), Andrew Siminyu (University of Johannesburg, South Africa), Edward Mwaura (Menengai Oilers),
Hookers: Eugene Sifuna (Kabras Sugar), Teddy Akala (Kabras Sugar), Coleman Were (Menengai Oilers), Toby Francombe (Boroughmuir, Scotland), Brian Waraba (Kenya Harlequin)
Tighthead Props: Patrick Ouko (KCB), Ephraim Oduor (Kabras Sugar), Joseph Odero (Kabras Sugar)
Locks: Davis Chenge (KCB), Brian Juma (Kabras Sugar), Brian Ndirangu (Menengai Oilers), Thomas Okeyo (University of Johanesburg, South Africa), Manasseh Oduor (KCB), Malcom Onsando ( Sportiv Bucaresti, Romania), Oliver Mang’eni (KCB), Clinton Odhiambo ( Menengai Oilers), Joseph Shem ( Kabras Sugar), Emmanuel Silungi (Yiezreel Rugby Club, Israel)
Blindside Flankers: George Nyambua (Kabras Sugar), Oscar Ouma (Zastava, Russia), Bethuel Anami (Strathmore Leos)
Openside Flankers: Dan Sikuta (Kabras Sugar), Martin Owilah (KCB), Kevin Wekesa (Kabras Sugar), Brian Amaitsa (Nondescripts)
Number Eights: Chrispine Shitundo (Menengai Oilers), Felix Ojoo (KCB), Mark Mutuku (Notre Dame University, USA), Elkeans Musonye (Impala Saracens)
Scrum Halves: Samuel Asati (KCB), Brian Tanga (Kabras Sugar), Michael Wanjala (KCB), Brian Wahinya (KCB), Barry Robinson (Kabras Sugar), Samson Onsomu (Menengai Oilers)
Fly Halves: Jone Kubu (Kabras Sugar), Anthony Omondi (Mwamba), Geoffrey Ominde (Menengai Oilers), Owain Ashley (Cardiff University, Wales)
Left Wings: Andrew Matoka (Strathmore Leos), Timothy Okwemba (Menengai Oilers), Bildad Ogeta (Menengai Oilers)
Inside Centers: Dominic Coulson (Exeter University), John Okoth (Menengai Oilers), Collins Injera (Mwamba), Walter Okoth (Kabras Sugar), Max Omondi (Catholic Monks)
Outside Centers: Vincent Onyala (KCB), Bryceson Adaka (Kabras Sugar), Peter Kilonzo (KCB)
Right Wings: Jacob Ojee (KCB), Derrick Ashiundu (Kabras Sugar), Michael Kimwele (KCB), William Ambaka (Zastava, Russia)
Full Backs: Jeffrey Mutuku (Notre Dame University, USA), Darwin Mukidza (KCB), Isaac Njoroge (KCB)