Kenya Rugby League team has called up eight new players for the forthcoming tour against South African Rhinos in the upcoming JP Botha African Cup.
The Kenyan contingent, known for their tenacity and sportsmanship, will face the Rhinos at the Naka Bulle RC in Wonderboom South on Wednesday, followed by a match at Grizzlers RLC in Pretoria West on Saturday.
Kenya Rugby League Federation (KRLF) Director of Rugby and Ecosystem Development John Mbai noted that the games are pivotal for the country, as they represent not only a chance for winning but also an opportunity to showcase the spirit and skill of Kenyan rugby on an international platform.
The eight are Lawrence Okello (Ruffians), Iddo Kuta (Winam), Victor Ndungu (Ruffians), Patrick Mwakina (Wolves) Nick Tom Opiyo (Winam) Sollo Mbugua Kevin (AP Warriors), Kelly Omari (Wolves) and Steve Muniafu (Harlequins Rugby League SA).
The team will be captained by Dennish Ndinya, who plays for AP Warriors.
Ndinya aka 'Warlord' exuded confidence that Kenya will perform well, saying: "We expect good results in South Africa. Our opponents are ranked 26th in the world and we are 31st. They should get ready for action as we are well prepared to bring home a win."
Meanwhile, the team has secured a Sh5m sponsorship with Admedia Communications.
Admedia Communications' Jacob Ouma said: “Supporting the KRLF is an honour and aligns with our vision of empowering communities through sports. We believe in the potential of the Kenyan team and are excited to be a part of their journey to success in the JP Botha African Cup."
KRLF TEAM TO SOUTH AFRICA
Lawrence Okello (Ruffians), Ramadhan Masete (Winam), Brian Mutua (Rhynos), Collins Ochieng (Wolves), Paul Seda (Winam), Dennish Ndinya (AP Warriors), Lucky Byron (Ruffians), Iddo Kuta (Winam), Victor Ndungu (Ruffians), Raymond Ekutu (Rhynos), James Maranga (Winam), Patrick Mwakina (Wolves), Wyclife Ratemo (AP Warriors), Nick Tom Opiyo (Winam), Sollo Mbugua Kevin (AP Warriors), Kelly Omari (Wolves), Steve Muniafu (Harlequins Rugby League, SA)
