•The burly front-rower last played for the national team two years ago and makes a return to beef up the forwards for the internationals.
•Team manager Jimmi Mnene said the 38-man squad will be whittled down to 28 ahead of departure to Kampala on Sunday evening.
Image: FILE
Menengai Oilers' prop Edward Mwaura has been recalled to the Kenya Simbas squad for the Victoria and Elgon Cup clashes against Zambia and Uganda next month.
The burly front-rower last played for the national team two years ago and makes a return to beef up the forwards for the internationals.
KCB duo Mike Kimwele and Emmanuel Silungi have been called up to the side alongside Kabras Dan Angwech, Paul Mutsami of Quins, and Shem Okola of Strathmore Leos.
Samuel Asati (KCB) Beldad Ogeta(Oilers), and Elvis Olukusi(KCB), who played for the Simbas during the Currie Cup earlier in the year, are currently with Shujaa preparing for the Safari Sevens and Dubai invitational tournament as well as the Challenger Sevens Series next year.
Team manager Jimmi Mnene said the 38-man squad will be whittled down to 28 ahead of departure to Kampala on Sunday evening.
“It's a full house here in Kakamega, where we started training yesterday and ensuring the boys are in good shape both physically and mentally. So for the next five days, it will be very intense as we seek to select the best for the test matches,” added Mnene
The Simbas will open their campaign against Zambia on November 1 before the two-legged showdown against Uganda in the Elgon Cup on November 5 and 11.
The technical bench has done its review of Zambia and Uganda and is ready for the showdowns.
"Zambia are an upcoming side and we expect them to test us accordingly. We will have to be at our best and can not afford to underestimate them. We look forward to a competitive game,” added Mnene. He added that the bulk of the team that did duty during the Currie Cup has been retained. “It's important to have continuity in terms of selection. The experienced players will have to guide their younger counterparts,” said Mnene
Training squad:
FORWARDS: Ephraim Oduor (Kabras), TJ Okidia (KCB), Ian Njenga (Quins), Edward Mwaura (Oilers), Eugene Sifuna (Kabras), Teddy Akala (Kabras), Griffin Musila (KCB), Emmanuel Otieno (Kabras), Hillary Mwanjilwa (Kabras ), Wilhite Mususi (KCB), Meshack Tunechi (Quins), Ian Masheti (Leos), Hillary Odhiambo (Kabras), David Bunduki (Kabras), Emmanuel Silungi (KCB), Hibrahim Ayoo ( Oilers), Clinton Odhiambo (Oilers), George Nyambua (Kabras, captain), Sheldon Kahi (Quins), Brian Ndirangu (Oilers), Reinhard Mwalati ( Masinde Muliro), Jeanson Musoga (Kabras), Peter Waitere (KCB), and Elkeans Musonye (Oilers);
Backs: Barry Young (Kabras), Dan Ang’wech (Kabras), Brian Wahinya (KCB), Paul Mutsami (Quins), Walter Okoth (Kabras), Shem Okola (Leos), Jone Kubu (Kabras), Matoka Matoka ( Leos), Byrceson Adaka (Kabras), Peter Kilonzo (KCB), Joel Inzuga (Mwamba), Derrick Ashiundu (Kabras), Alfred Orege (Kabras) and Michael Kimwele (KCB).