Former Kenya Simbas captain Dickie Evans has called upon fans and well-wishers to come on board and support the side financial as they seek to qualify for the World Cup for the first time in history.
Kenya Simbas are expected to be in France between 1-10 July 2021 for the Rugby Africa Cup 15s knock-out stage matches which will also serve as the 2023 Rugby World Cup qualifiers.
According to Evans’ statement posted on Kenya Rugby Union’s portal, the Simbas will require up to 10 million to compete successfully in the qualifiers.
Evans who captained Kenya and East Africa in rugby tournaments in the 1970s has formed a drive dubbed ‘Friends of Simbas’ to held raise the funds to help the Simbas achieve their dream.
Well-wishers can contribute through this Mchanga link
“We are now at the stage where funding has been expended and we are desperately short of funds to get us over this last hurdle. The period from now until July 10th has to be funded. This is where YOU can come in and assist to get the 40 strong squad of players and backroom staff who have given up their time on a permanent basis over the last three months to get us into enviable position,” states part of the statement on KRU’s official page.
“Kenya MUST find a critical 10 Million Ksh to get our players there in peak condition. We cannot allow this short term funding gap to risk all we have built.”
“This is an opportunity for Kenya to showcase itself to the World as players and as a Nation, emulating what the Sevens team have done. However with 857 Million people watching the RWC and foreign investment TRIPLING with RWC representation, this is a much bigger opportunity.”
“I have come together with other Kenyans to create the Friends of Simbas, with a regulated bank account overseen by myself and a Board of independent professionals.”
“Please join me, other funders and sponsors who have contributed over 4m in the last year alone, to ensure we can compete in these final three must-win matches.”
“To achieve this REALITY we must all come together as Kenyans and help our team over the finish line. In conjunction with the KRU, the Friends of Simbas invite you to become a Friend NOW. We are 10M away from SUCCESS, every single penny will make this a reality. Please give generously.”
