Menengai Oilers winger Beldad Ogeta and Kabras hooker Teddy Akala have been recalled to the Simbas squad for the Elgon Cup second-leg clash against Uganda in Kampala on Saturday.
Akala’s teammate Hillary Mwanjilwa has also made the cut— coming in for Blak Blad’s inspirational flanker Obat Kuke, who misses the second leg clash, owing to school commitments.
South African-born Dukisa Ntabeni, who sustained an ankle injury in the build-up to the first-leg match, has been ruled out.
Kenya won the first leg 27-25 and coach Jerome Paarwater believes the return of the players, will boost the team’s hopes and give the technical bench options for the pivotal clash.
“Beldad is a quality finisher with his hard running on the wing. Teddy brings power and energy to our forwards alongside Mwanjilwa and we are looking to utilise them in one way or another on Saturday,” he said.
The South African coach said the team had done an extensive review after the first leg performance.
“We did our review with the team on Monday. We looked at where we went wrong and ways on how we can improve our performance on Saturday against a good Ugandan team. We are looking forward to the clash and retaining the Elgon Cup,” he said.
Paarwater believes the mental fortitude will be vital in the match on Saturday.
“ The pressure will be on both sides. So mentally, whoever does not concede penalties and plays in the right areas with a cool head will carry the day,” Paarwater said.
The 25-man squad arrived in the Ugandan capital on Wednesday and held a light training session on the day with another on Thursday.
They will have the Captain’s run this Friday.
The tactician is expected to name his 23-match squad on Friday.
Elsewhere, Kenya Cup side Northern Suburbs Ladies have called for support to honour their fixtures for the upcoming season.
Through their X account, NSL RFC posted asking for support as they prepare for the season.
The donations can be made through M-PESA Till Number 8917278.
