Kabras Sugar’s Fiji-born star Jone Kubu included as Jerome Paarwater names Kenya Simbas squad for Elgon Cup tie against Uganda
Kubu has been named on the bench as Jerome Paarwater named his 23-man squad for their Elgon Cup first leg encounter against Uganda set to take place at the RFUEA Ground this Saturday.
Kabras Sugar’s John Kubu has been included as Kenya Simbas head coach Jerome Paarwater named his squad for the first leg encounter against Uganda in the 2024 Elgon Cup set to take place at the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi on Saturday.
The Fiji-born star has returned after missing the Rugby Africa Cup where the Simbas finished fourth after a narrow loss to Algeria in the third-place playoff.
Paarwater has chosen to retain a core group from the recent Continental Cup while integrating fresh faces to bolster the squad. Among the notable absentees is Bryceson Adaka, sidelined due to an injury sustained a few months back.
Patrick Odongo-inspired Daystar Falcons missed out on promotion to the Kenya Cup last season, but will be hoping to make ammends when they start their KRU Championship campaign against USIU.
Leading the squad as captain is seasoned player George Nyambua, supported by vice-captains Eugene Sifuna and Barry Young.
The squad features a balance of veterans and promising talent, bringing both experience and energy to this high-stakes matchup.
Young talents, such as Kenya U-20 international Andycole Omolo, Tyson Maina, and Griffin Chao, are set to make their senior debuts, signaling a bright future for Kenyan rugby.
Kabras will begin their Kenya Cup defence when they face Impala, who earned promotion back to the top flight, while KCB will also be taking on another newly promoted side South Coast Pirates.
The forward pack sees Ephraim Oduor start at prop, flanked by Wilhite Mususi, with vice-captain Eugene Sifuna positioned at hooker. Emmanuel Silungi and Hillary Odhiambo anchor the second row, while Nyambua and Omolo hold the back row positions, with Jeanson Misoga rounding off the pack at number eight.
The Simbas’ halfback partnership comprises Brian Wahinya at scrum-half and Barry Young at fly-half, expected to provide a solid base for Kenya’s attack.
Walter Okoth and Tyson Maina will pair up in midfield, bringing strength and agility to the center. On the wings, Alfred Orege and Griffin Chao offer pace, while Timothy Omela slots in as the full-back.
Starting XV
1. Ephraim Oduor, 2. Eugene Sifuna (VC), 3. Wilhite Mususi, 4. Emmanuel Silungi, 5. Hillary Odhiambo, 6. George Nyambua (C), 7. Andycole Omolo , 8. Jeanson Misoga, 9. Brian Wahinya, 10. Barry Young (VC), 11. Alfred Orege, 12. Walter Okoth, 13. Tyson Maina , 14. Griffin Chao *, 15. Timothy Omela
Bench
16. Griffin Musila, 17. Edward Mwaura, 18. Hibrahim Ayoo, 19. Ernest Obat Kuke, 20. Elkeans Musonye, 21. Samson Onsomu, 22. Jone Kubu, and 23. Paul Mutsami.
NB: Those players marked in asterics (*) are making their debuts for the side.
