Magomu dares Kenya ahead of Elgon Cup clash

History may favour Kenya when they meet Uganda in 15s rugby, but that cannot be the yardstick to intimidate the Rugby Cranes ahead of the Rugby Africa quarterfinals in France next month.

Rugby Cranes team captain Ivan Magomu told New Vision Sport after training at Kyadondo Rugby Grounds on Tuesday morning that his charges are ready to carry the mantle ahead of them.

“Kenya always underrates and belittles us, but they will face the animal in us come July. We are small as they see us but we have a mission to accomplish,” Magomu said.

Rugby Cranes players training at Kyadondo. Photo by Johnson Were

“Just like our Rugby Sevens brothers, we shall shock them. The spirit in the camp is high and our target is to play a final,” Magomu added confidently.

Magomu will captain the team for the Rugby World Cup qualifiers, before returning to face-off with Kenya in the Elgon Cup on July 23 and 30 respectively.

The Rugby Cranes backline was beefed up by Philip Wokorach who plays professional rugby in France and Magomu welcomed his call.

“We all know his potential and he adds a lot of experience to the team which strengthens us against any opponent,” Magomu explained.

The winner of the tournament will qualify for the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France while the runners will go to the repechage, a second opportunity for them to qualify for the World Cup.

The squad: Akera Komaketch, Joseph Aredo, Arthur Mpande, Asuman Mugerwa, Aziku Robert, Tawfik Bagalana, Joachim Chissano, Emmanuel Ecodu, Eliphaz Emong, Paul Epilo, Thomas Gwonkto, Jude Juuko, Ronald Kanyanya, Reynolds Kato, Azizi Khani, Colin Kimbowa, Ivan Kirabo, and Saul Kivumbi, Ivan Magomu (Captain), Manano Alhaji, James Mugisha, Jacob Ochen, Uhuru Charles, Timothy Odongo, Faragi Odugo, Pius Ogena, Solomon Okia, George Scott Oluoch, Michael Otto, Joseph Oyet, Alema Ruhweza, Lawrence Ssebuliba, Santos Ssenteza, Conrad Wanyama and Philip Wokorach.