It’s a winner-take-all battle this Sunday at the Kings Park Arena, as Uganda host Kenya in the third game of the 2023 Victoria Cup.
The technical team has made three changes to the starting side that defeated Zambia a week ago, hoping to get one-up on their Kenyan counterparts.
The tight five has remained intact, save for Asuman Mugerwa, who replaces Collins Kimbowa as the tighthead prop. Two changes have been strung in the back row: Vice-captain Byron Oketayot retains his position at the blindside, and he’ll be partnering with sea robber debutantes Moses Ziwa (Openside flank) and Sydney Gongodyo at the base.
There’s one change in the backline, with winger Shakim Ssembuusi making way for Heathens’ utility back, Joseph Oyet.
Frank Kidega will be hoping to make his start alongside his mates Ziwa and Gongodyo but will have to wait for his number to be raised off the bench. Innocent Gwokto has surrendered his spot on the bench to the utility, Al Hajj Manano.
Captain Ivan Magomu and his vice Conrad Wanyama retain their places in the half-backs, as Michael Wokorach and Eric Mula take the midfield partnership for another spin.
For the Kenya Simbas, Reinhard Mwalati, Wilhite Mususi and Walter Okoth are the three changes for the Simbas ahead of the Victoria Cup title decider, with Mwalati and Okoth making their test debuts in this fixture.
Kenya Simbas
STARTERS: 15. Jone Kubu, 14. Joel Inzuga, 13. Bryceson Adaka, 12. Walter Okoth, 11. Alfred Orege, 10. Brian Wahinya, 9. Barry Young, 1. Ephraim Oduor, 2. Teddy Akala,3. Wilhite Mususi, 4. Hibrahim Ayoo, 5. Hillary Odhiambo, 6. George Nyambua (Captain), 7. Reinhard Mwalati, 8. Jeanson Misoga
REPLACEMENTS: 16. Emmanuel Otieno, 17. Thomas Okidia, 18. Hillary Mwanjilwa, 19. Brian Ndirangu, 20. Peter Waitere, 21. Elkeans Musonye, 22. Dan Ang’wech, 23. Paul Mutsami
Uganda Rugby Cranes
STARTERS: 15. Timothy Kisiga, 14. Joseph Oyet, 13. Michael Wokorach, 12. Eric Mula, 11. Jacob Ocen, 10. Ivan Magomu, 9. Conrad Wanyama, 8. Sydney Gongodyo, 7. Moses Zziwa, 6. Byron Oketayot, 5. Eliphaz Emong, 4. Charles Uhuru, 3. Asuman Mugerwa, 2. Faragi Odugo, 1. Santos Ssenteza
REPLACEMENTS: 16. Nathan Bwambale, 17. Ivan Kabagambe, 18. Saul Kivumbi, 19. Robert Aziku, 20. Frank Kidega, 21. Nicholas Kato, 22. Al Hajj Manano, 23. Liam Walker
