CAPE TOWN - Kenya have made 13 changes to the side that toured Zimbabwe last year and lost 28-28 to the Sables in the Africa Cup Group 1A.

The two sides are set to clash again on Saturday at the Police Grounds in what would be their opener for this year’s competition but Kenya coach South African Jerome Paarwater has made wholesale changes to the side that lost to Zimbabwe last year.

In the forwards, the likes of  the KCB duo of Isaiah Nyariki and Oliver Mang’eni, Ronnie Mwenesi, Lawrence Buyachi (Nakuru), Joshua Chisanga (Homeboyz) and Davis Chenge of Western Bulls are not part of the squad.

In the backline, Lyle Asiligwa of Kenya Harlequins, Robert Aringo (Impala), Kelvin Omiyo (Nakuru), Jacob Ojee (KCB), Samuel Oliech (Impala) and Vincent Mose (Impala) have also not made the cut.

From last year’s squad those who have survived are forwards Moses Amusala, Curtis Lilako, Peter Karia, Sammy Warui, Mike Okombe, Brian Nyikuli while in the backline Fabian Olando, Isaac Adimo, Dennis Muhanji and Darwin Mukidza endured a painful loss against Zimbabwe.

Reports from Kenya also indicate that Homeboyz prodigy Kevin Masai is set to make his international debut when Kenya Simbas launch their Africa Rugby Division 1A campaign against Zimbabwe Sables in Harare on Saturday.

Former Kenya 15s and Sevens skipper Innocent “Namcos” Simiyu (Impala Saracens) will make a comeback after five years. Also making a return are Kabras Sugar skipper back-row Max Adaka and his teammate, centre Fabian Olando.

Adaka, who has recovered from an injury, replaces Oliver Mang’eni (KCB) while Simiyu comes in for his brother Nato Simiyu (Impala Saracens). Olando has replaced Vincent Mose.

Mang’eni, Mose and Nato are out due to job commitments alongside Impala Saracens scrum-half Samson Onsomu and KCB lock Ronnie Mwenesi.

Impala centre Simiyu, 33, who captained Kenya 7s between 2006 and 2008 and the Kenyan 15s side in 2008 to 2011, sustained a career-threatening knee injury during the 2011 Bamburi Series. He made a comeback in 2014 as a coach-cum-player for Impala but has not played for Kenya Simbas.

Forwards: Moses Amusala, Curtis Lilako, Peter Karia, Sammy Warui, Mike Okombe, Brian Nyikuli, Tony Owuor, James Kang’ethe, Joseph Kang’ethe, Simon Muniafu, Eric Kerre, Max Adaka, Dan Sikuta

Backs: Edwin Achayo, Nick Barasa, Fabian Olando, Isaac Adimo, David Ambunya, Dennis Muhanji, Kelvin Masai, Darwin Mukidza, Innocent Simiyu, Tony Onyango.