•The Zambians lost their opening match to Uganda, going down 30-8 on Saturday, and will be keen to bounce back.
•Speaking during the Captain's Run, Kenya Simbas assistant coach Carlos Katywa said the side is in good shape after an intense one-week training camp in Kakamega.
Kenya Simbas will field 13 debutants for the Victoria Cup clash against Zambia on Wednesday at the Kings Park Arena in Kampala.
Paul Mutsami, Alfred Orege, Joel Inzuga, Hillary Mwanjilwa, Hibrahim Ayoo, Hillary Odhiambo, and Jeanson Misoga all make their test debuts after being named in the side to start.
Emmanuel Otieno, Thomas Okidia, Wilhite Mususi, Brian Ndirangu, Peter Waitere, and Dan Ang’wech are also potentially in line for their test debuts after being named on the substitutes bench for the match.
Speaking during the Captain's Run, Kenya Simbas assistant coach Carlos Katywa said the side is in good shape after an intense one-week training camp in Kakamega.
“The boys are in good shape and are looking sharp. We know we have a tricky test against Zambia but I am confident with our execution in all facets of play we will post good results,” added Katywa.
Despite not playing since the Currie Cup in May, the South African tactician said they have retained the majority of the players who did duty in the three-month tournament.
“There is a lot of continuity in the squad. The boys know each other's style of play and we are looking forward to a competitive game, ” he added.
He observed that Zambia is an upcoming side and can't be taken lightly.
“We have done an analysis on them and discovered that they are a physical team that never gives up. So our boys must do the fundamentals right, win the collision and the set-piece as well as execute in attack and defence,” added Katywa.
The Simbas beat Zambia 31-16 in the Victoria Cup in 2019 and in the 2023 Rugby World Cup qualifiers, thrashed the Southern Africa outfit 45-8 at Nyayo Stadium.
The Zambians lost their opening match to Uganda, going down 30-8 on Saturday, and will be keen to bounce back.
Skipper George Nyambua said the Victoria and Elgon Cup will be a good foundation for next year's Currie Cup campaign. “ We are going flat out to win against Zambia and Uganda and this will give us a good platform for next year in the Currie Cup,”
Squad: Jone Kubu, 14. Joel Inzuga, 13. Bryceson Adaka, 12. Paul Mutsami 11. Alfred Orege 10, Brian Wahinya (Vice Captain), 9. Barry Young, 1. Ephraim Oduor, 2. Teddy Akala, 3. Hillary Mwanjilwa, 4. Hibrahim Ayoo 5. Hillary Odhiambo, 6. George Nyambua (Captain), 7. Elkeans Musonye, 8. Jeanson Misoga: REPLACEMENTS 16. Emmanuel Otieno, 17. Thomas Okidia, 18. Wilhite Mususi, 19. Brian Ndirangu, 20. Peter Waitere, 21. Dan Ang’wech, 22. Derrick Ashiundu and 23. Andrew Matoka.