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
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