Rugby Cranes winger Kimono set for maiden Gold Cup start

KAMPALA.

Three weeks ago, Justin Kimono was named a starter for the Rugby Cranes Gold Cup tie against Tunisia but he never featured after suffering a setback with a hamstring problem, within a day to the game.

The winger is now fit and has been named to start on Saturday against Zimbabwe, the same side he came up against on his debut in 2011, scoring two tries despite Uganda losing 25-15. Kimono has been blighted by knee injuries in the past two years but recovered to take a place among the replacements in the 23-18 loss to Kenya in the Elgon Cup and a 33-all draw in the return encounter in Nairobi.

Rugby Cranes resisted handing him a start in Dakar, Senegal where the national team won 17-16.

Oketayot to play
Despite the Cranes set up feeling he was ready for Namibia, he opted to stay out. “The other occasion he withdrew himself but he says he is now feeling good,” Cranes coach John Duncan told Daily Monitor. In other changes from the Namibia game, Byron Oketayot takes Ronald Musajja’s place as the latter drops to the bench while Phillip Wokorach is handed the playmaker`s role at flyhalf, replacing a fractionally fit Ivan Magomu. James Odongo recovers from a swollen finger to sit at the back.

Naming Wokorach at 10 has not been welcomed by many as he tends to hold onto the ball a little longer than a flyhalf should but Duncan has kept faith in him.

“Phillip has played at 10 before last year,” he defended his decision. Robert Aziku is in line for a second cap and he is joined by Collin Kimbowa, Fred Odur, Adnan Mutebi and Syrus Wathum as replacements.

Africa gold cup
Saturday
Tunisia vs. Zimbabwe
Uganda vs. Zimbabwe
4:30pm Legends