South Coast Pirates Head Coach Kevin Amiani has paraded a 24-man side that will play host to visiting Mean Machine RFC in the first KRU Championship league fixture of the year 2022 set for Seacrest Grounds,Diani at 3:00 PM.
Pirates who have only played two matches are currently placed fourth on the log with 8 points, three behind leaders Shamas. Second placed Machine are tied on 10 points with Monks, and will be hunting for their third win of the season.
Amiani’s charges will be seeking to continue with their fine run after picking two away wins against USIU and newbies Northern Suburbs respectively.
Clinton Machero makes his first start of the season and he joins Scott Lugara and Dominic Atira in the front row task.
The second row has Nick Omodo and Richard Amaye, while experienced Cliphod Odhiambo and skipper Charles Okwemba partnership at back row will continue in the third game in a row.
Collins Kabayo is also untouched and will complete the pack as eighth man.
However at the back, Philip Mbisi is back in the starting team as half back and this sees regular Ali Rashid drop to the bench, Mbisi will partner the ever present William Kyallo.
In the midfield, Pirates leading top try scorer Steve Bosire is out injured and is replaced by speedster Joseph Musyoki who will partner Devin Abuga.
The team boasts of experience at the back three comprise of Kenyan International Charles Tendwa, Ken Omaset and former Kakamega School full back Bakari Hassan.
This will be Pirates’ first Championship home game since February 2019 and first at Seacrest Grounds.
South Coast Pirates: 1 Clinton Machero 2 Scott Lugara 3 Dominic Atira 4 Nick Omodo 5 Richard Amaye 6 Clifford Odhiambo7 Charles Okwemba C 8 Collins Kabayo 9 Philip Mbisi 10 William Kyalo 11 Charles Tendwa C 12 Joseph Musyoki 13 Abuga Devin 14 Ken Omaset 15 Bakari Hassan
Replacements: 16 Evans Mwakio 17 Joseph Karioki 18 Timothy Osaji 19 Elias Gitonga 20 Adan Juma 21 Ken Wambua 22 Ali Rashid 23 Mohamed Hajj 24 Kevin Ngila