Menengai Oilers head coach Gibson Weru has named a 23-man squad for a high-stakes clash against Uganda’s Toyota Buffaloes RFC in the quarterfinals of the 87th edition of the Enterprise Cup.
This year’s tournament carries added significance, with the competition adopting a cross-border format at the knockout stage, pitting Kenya’s top sides against Uganda’s finest in a bid to elevate regional rugby rivalries.
Highlighting the squad is Samwel Ovwamu, listed at inside centre who returns after missing key matches for the Nakuru based outfit due to injury. He partners with youngster Brian Achacha in midfield, while skipper Samuel Mwaura marshals the side from fly-half, providing tactical direction in what is expected to be a tightly contested encounter.
The forward pack sees Byrone Cornel, Fortune Aturo, and the ever present Destrious Ifedha anchor the front row, with Wallace Onyango and Charles Osgood forming a solid second row pairing. The back row has trio of Jadah Abdon, Amos Obae, and Collins Kabayo.
Out wide, creativity will come from Clarkson Keegan while Beldad Ogeta and Alvin Khavoli will lead the search for tries on the wings, while Abutwalib Wesonga slots in at fullback. The bench offers depth, with Emmanuel Mulindo, Victor Were, Vincent Mwikhali, and Nelson Makokha among those expected to make an impact if called upon.
Set for March 21st at the Refinery Grounds in Nakuru, the fixture not only represents a quarterfinal battle but also a statement of intent for the Oilers, who are keen to stamp their authority in this expanded East African contest.
Starting XV
1.Byrone Cornel
2.Fortune Aturo
3.Destrious Ifedha
4.Wallace Onyango
5.Charles Osgood
6.Jadah Abdon
7.Amos Obae (CC)
8.Collins Kabayo
9.Clarkson Keegan
10.Samuel Mwaura (C)
11.Beldad Ogeta
12.Samuel Ovwamu
13.Brian Achacha
14.Alvin Khavoli
15.Abutwalib Wesonga
Replacements
16. Emmanuel Mulindo
17. Victor Were
18. Vincent Mwikhali
19. Nelson Makokha
20. Chrispine Shitundo
21. Andrew Odero
22. Philip Okeyo
23. Lucky Onyango
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