Elgon Cups up for grabs

Published: Friday, 8. July, 2011 in category Southern Hemisphere

On Saturday neighbours Kenya and Uganda meet in Nairobi to compete for the two Elgon Cups - one for men and one for women.

Mount Elgon, named after the Elgeyo tribe who lived in its caves, is a volcano that straddles the border between Uganda and Kenya. Since 2004, Besides being a part of the Victoria Cup with Zimbabwe, Kenya and Uganda have also competed for the Elgon Cups. The two countries have in fact been playing Tests since 1958. Most often Kenya have been the winners.

competition for the Elgon Cup is on a home-and-away basis, the winner with the better aggregate score. The second leg will be on 17 July in Kampala.

Winners

2004: Kenya
2005: No competition because of World Cup qualifiers
2006: Uganda
2007: Kenya
2008: Kenya
2009: Kenya
2010: Kenya

The women's Elgon Cup started in 2006. The Ugandans now speak of the Migingo Cup.

Winners

2006: Uganda
2007: Not played
2008: Uganda
2009: Kenya
2010: Kenya

Both men's sides have lost to Zimbabwe this year - Kenya in Harare, Uganda in Kampala. Kenya will be doubly keen to win this one in Nairobi as they are the holders of the Victoria Cup and the Elgon Cup. History is on their side as the only time Uganda have beaten them in Nairobi was in 2006 when Chester Williams was coaching the Cranes.

Kenya are ranked 38th on the IRB's rankings, Uganda 45th.

The Kenyan coach, Tank Otieno, has made ten changes from the team beaten in Harare, including the introduction of Sevens star Humphrey Kayange.

Uganda have brought back Allan Musoke, goal-kicker Anthony Kinene, Oscar Eculu, Robert Seguya and Timothy Mudoola.

Teams

Men

Kenya squad: Joel Nganga, Vincent Ongera, Moses Omusala, Anthony Mutai, Ronnie Mwenesi, Andrew Amonde, David Mogere, Duncan Ekasi, Edwin Achayo, Linus Simiyu, Peter Claver Abuoga, Patrice Agunda, Humphrey Kayange, Victor Sudi (captain), Vincent Mose, Dennis Karani, Curtis Lilako, Martin Likami, Brian Okuomi, Peter Mutai, Ken Andola, Allan Omuka

Coaches: Michael Otieno, Edward Kinyany

Uganda: n/a

Women

Kenya squad: Camilyne Awuor, Mary Otieno, Rebecca Kerubo, Millicent Opala, Rachel Odhiambo, Stacy Awuor, Abedeen Shikhoyi (captain), Angela Olum, Mary Musieka, Doreen Remour, Catherine Abilla, Philadelphia Olando, Anita Omondi, Celestine Navalayo, Irene Owino, Robinah Wambui, Janet Owino, Everlyne Odero, Keziah Achieng, Dorcas Ocholi, Janet Midecha, Clementina Atieno

Coaches:  Sammy Kemmey, Pritt Nyandat

Uganda: n/a

Match officials

Men

Kenya vs Uganda, RFUEA Grounds, Nairobi
Referee: Sikelelo Sibanda (Zimbabwe)      
Assistant referees: Gabriel Masenda (Zimbabwe), Scott Mcdonnel (Zimbabwe)
Television match official: Nicholas Gachoya (Kenya)
Assessor: John Kagagi (Kenya) 

Women

Kenya vs Uganda, RFUEA Grounds, Nairobi
Referee: Johnbosco Muamba (Kenya)   
Assistant referees:  Anthony Ndong (Kenya), Chris Okumu (Kenya)
Assessor: Paul Kilonzo (Kenya)