These Are The Kenyan Gentlemen Looking To Demolish Portugal In Fifteens Rugby this Weekend

Piece by: Fred Indimuli
Entertainment

It’s been fifty one years since the Kenya Fifteens Rugby team played against a European National team. The last match played on the 12th of December 1964 saw a combined East African side lose 26-8 to Wales. This Saturday Kenya Fifteens takes on Wolves of Portugal to become the first Kenyan side to play a European Nation since then.

The journey has not been easy for the players, preparations have been tough, and with eyes on the big prize, we take a brief look at the gentlemen who will be flying the Kenyan Flag high.

Brian Nyikuli (Captain)

Club: Strathmore Leos

Position: Back Row

D.O.B: 05.01.1985

Sammy Oliech 

Club: Impala

Position: Full back

D.O.B: 12.05.1983

Fabian Olando 

Club: KCB

Position: Forward

D.O.B: 03.01. 1991

Kelvin Omiyo 

Club: Nakuru

Position: Forward

D.O.B: 29.12. 1987

Jacob Ojee 

Club: KCB

Position: Winger

D.O.B: 07.03.1991

Oliver Mang’eni 

Club: KCB

Position: Lock

D.O.B: 14.02.1988

Curtis Lilako 

Club: KCB

Position: Prop

D.O.B: 16.04.1990

Darwin Mukidza

Club; KCB

Position: Fullback

D.O. B: 20.01.1988

Isaac Adimo

Club: Kenya Harlequins

Position: Fly Half

D.O.B: 11. 12 .1985

Lyle Asiligwa

Club: Kenya Harlequins

D.O.B: 30.08.1991

Position: Scrum Half

Joshua Chisanga

Club: Homeboyz

Position: Back row

D.O.B: 11.02.1991

Michael Okombe

Club: Nakuru

Position: Back Row

D.O.B: 05.04.1990

Emmanuel Mavala

Club: Homeboyz

Position: Lock

D.O.B: 06.01.1991

Sammy Warui

Club: Nakuru

D.O.B: 27.09.1985

Position: Hooker

Moses Amusala

Club: KCB

Position: Prop

D.O.B: 4.12. 1983

This is what the players said ahead of the tie.

Brian Nyikuli

“Of course we will win, mood at the camp is OK and our expectations are very high, everyone is 100% fit”

Oliver Mang’eni

“We want to give our fans our best, we are looking at improving from last year, we are confident we will win”

Darwin Mukidza

“It’s good to make history and it will be better if we make it in a positive way, it’s a great match for all of us”

Sammy Oliech

“We will do our best whether it rains or not, I will give my best, we want the fans to come and support us”

Head coach Jerome Paarwaters

“The match comes the right time for us after last year, it’s a great challenge for the boys and they love challenges, we also owe the fans a win for their loyal support, they can be part of history”

-  Photo courtesy of ODD SHAPED BALLS KENYA