Odera hopes for improvement as Simbas play third Currie Cup game

• The Simbas have so far played two matches, losing both
• They play Griffons on Saturday
• The team is using the Cup as preparation for the World Cup qualifier

Kenya Simbas head coach Paul Odera is hoping for an improved performance as the team prepares to face Griffons in their third match of the Currie Cup at the 8,500 capacity Pelatona Stadium in Welkom, South Africa.

Shujaa have lost both their opening matches, though they ran Zimbabwe close last weekend, losing 22-21. Odera says he picked positives from the game and hopes they can do better on Saturday and picked a morale boosting win.

“We gave ourselves a lot to do by going 17-0 down. The fact that we came back is testament that the mental ability is growing and our fitness is also improving great deal. It is not where we want it to be but we are doing better,” said the coach.

He added; “Our discipline has also improved a lot because we kept our penalty count down and that is a positive thing. But our game management is something we have to improve on. We need to know when to contain opponents especially when we are up.”

The coach also said; “The goal is to qualify for France and this tournament is a perfect place for us to learn and improve. By the time we are facing Uganda in our first match in the qualifiers, we will have the best team.”

Ahead of the match against Griffons, the tactician has made 12 changes to the team that played against Zimbabwe, majority of the changes influenced through injury.

First choice prop Ian Njenga is injured and he is out for the next six months. He had a successful surgery on Monday is recovering well. He will travel back to Nairobi when it is medically safe for him to do so.

Meanwhile, second choice Andrew Siminyu is also injured while Ephraim Odour starts off the bench alongside lock Brian Juma.

Skipper Daniel Sikuta, scrumhalf Brian Tanga and Vincent Onyala are rested for this fixture while George Nyambua is out with a heel injury. Jone Kubu sits out with ankle and knee injuries while Darwin Mukidza is out of this fixture with a wrist injury. John Okoth has a groin strain and is rested as a precaution

Edward Mwaura, Brian Waraba and Patrick Ouko are part of a changed front row.

Commenting on their inclusions, Odera said; “ Mwaura is promoted to the starting lineup after a solid scrummaging effort. Waraba threw 100% of his lineouts successful and gets promoted to the starting fifteen while Ouko, who is one of the match day vice captains brings a fresh pair of legs in the front row.”

Talking about the game, Odera said, “Griffons are a good team and we will have to scrummage well if we are to contain their forwards. Our linespeed on defence also has to improve as if we give them time and space they will punish us.”

Elkeans Musonye captains the side in the absence of Sikuta.