Kenya Simbas assistant coach Carlos Katwya has made five changes ahead of the must-win match against Uganda in the Elgon Cup on Saturday in Kisumu.
Two of the changes are in the front row, where Eugene Sifuna returns to start at hooker after missing the Tour of Uganda due to academic commitments.
He will partner with Ephraim Oduor at loosehead and Hillary Mwanjilwa at tighthead prop. The duo starts ahead of Wilhite Mususi and Teddy Akala, who are among the substitutes
Elkeans Musonye returns at openside flank after starting in last Sunday’s 21-20 loss to Uganda from the bench.
Paul Mutsami has been given the nod at the inside centre—partnering with Bryceson Adaka in midfield while Derrick Ashiundu returns to the wing, replacing Alfred Orege who misses out on the match-day squad through injury.
Also missing from the 23-man squad are Emmanuel Otieno, Reinhard Mwalati, and Walter Okoth.
Andrew Matoka has made a good enough recovery to be included among the replacements while Shem Okola starts from the bench and is in line for his debut.
Jone Kubu and Brian Wahinya swap places in positional changes made to the backline. Kubu starts at flyhalf with Wahinya slotting in at fullback.
Kenya lost to Uganda 21-20 in the Victoria Cup last Sunday in Kampala.
Speaking yesterday, Katywa added they have had a good week of training and were looking forward to the match.
“We hope the changes made will give us a boost, especially in our set piece where we struggled last week during the Victoria Cup,” added Katywa.
He added: "We have done some positional changes which we hope will galvanize the team. We are playing at home and we hope to win this match.”
The Kabras coach said discipline at the breakdown will be of utmost importance if the Kenyans are to secure the Elgon Cup for the 13th time.
“We conceded several penalties in the match against Zambia and Uganda where we have to clean up that facet of play and be street smart in our approach," he added.
The Simbas are expected to have their Captain's run on Friday at the Mambo Leo showground
