Academy youngsters to carry Kings' flag
Kempson named Jeremy Ward as his captain and Sintu Manjezi as vice-captain for the first half the competition.
"It is a fairly young team, but a very enthusiastic squad that is looking forward to the opportunity to play in the Currie Cup and test themselves against the other provincial teams in the competition," said Kempson.
Kempson said he was enjoying working with the group, as the majority of the players were current or former Kings Academy players.
"The Kings Academy was established in 2012 to identify up and coming talent from the region and to provide these players with a career path in professional rugby in their home province, as opposed to losing these players to other rugby franchises," he said.
Kempson said this goal remained the objective of Eastern Province and that the first round of the Currie Cup provided the opportunity for these up and coming players to gain exposure at professional level.
"Despite the current challenges being faced by the union, it is imperative that we do everything possible to retain these players for the future of rugby in the province," he said.
Kempson also confirmed that Junior Pokomela, Tyler Paul, Philip du Preez, JP Jonke and Louis Abertse would be available on loan from the Southern Kings Super Rugby franchise.
Kempson will be assisted by Zondie Soloshe as team manager, Kyle Meyer as physiotherapist, Eric Fisher as Conditioning Coach, and Clement Plaatjies as team doctor.
Sean O'Dea is the High Performance Analyst and will be assisted by Zuko Ndlela.
Eastern Province Kings:
Forwards: Brandon Brown, David Murray, Gerrit Huishamen, Greg Jackson, Hayden Tharatt, JP Jamieson, Kevin Kaba, Lusanda Badiyana, Nicolaas Oosthuizen, Roche van Zyl, SF Nieuwoudt, Sintu Manjezi, Tango Balekile, Mzuvukile Sofisa, Warrick Venter, Wynand Grassmann, Stephan Zaayman.
Backs: Athenkosi Mayinje, Davron Cameron, Courtney Winnaar, Garrick Mattheus, Jeremy Ward, Jixie Molapo, Keanu Vers, Lindelwe Zungu, Michael Brink, Riaan Esterhuizen, Sibusiso Ngcokovane, Simon Bolze, Somila Jho, Siphumelelo Msutwana, Warren Swarts, Thaki Boloko, Chuma Faas.
