The Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) has confirmed that the Kenya Simbas will be participating in both the Victoria Cup and the Elgon Cup in November.
The KRU released a statement on Tuesday outlining their plans for these rugby competitions. Additionally, the statement mentioned the intention to introduce a women’s Elgon Cup.
Kenya Simbas come back
In their announcement, the KRU revealed that the Simbas are eagerly preparing for the return of the Victoria Cup, marking its comeback after a hiatus since 2019.
Kenya Simbas Brian Tanga paces past a senegalese opponent. Photo/Denis Acre-half
The statement also indicated that the Simbas will engage in the Elgon Cup. There are plans in progress to arrange an exciting encounter between the women’s national teams of Kenya and Uganda in Kisumu on the same day.
“The Simbas are gearing up for an exciting return of the Victoria Cup, marking its comeback for the first time since 2019. Their journey kicks off with a match against Zambia in Kampala on Wednesday, November 1st, followed by a clash against Uganda in the Ugandan capital on Sunday, November 5th, which also serves as the initial leg of the Elgon Cup,” KRU revealed.
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“The Simbas will later engage in the Elgon Cup return match against Uganda on Saturday, November 11th, hosted in Kisumu City. In addition, there are plans in motion for a thrilling encounter between the women’s national teams of Kenya and Uganda in Kisumu on the same day,” the statement added.
The KRU’s statement concluded by expressing their commitment to expanding the Victoria Cup, potentially including Zimbabwe, and introducing both senior women’s teams and men’s U20 competitions to the event.
“Furthermore, there are ongoing efforts to expand the Victoria Cup, encompassing Zimbabwe, and including the senior women and men’s U20 competitions,” the statement concluded.
Kenya Simbas in Victoria Cup
The Victoria Cup was last held in 2019 and featured the participation of African nations such as Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Its revival in 2019 came after a seven-year hiatus following Rugby Africa’s cancellation of the Africa Gold Cup due to sponsorship issues.
Dalmus Chitiyu goes down for a try for Kenya Simbas. Photo Courtesy/ Rugby Afrique.
Zimbabwe has been a dominant force in the Victoria Cup, winning it in 2019 and 2011. The Kenya Simbas secured victory in 2012 and finished as runners-up in both 2011 and 2019.
Here are the Simbas’ upcoming fixtures:
Kenya vs. Zambia | 4:00 PM EAT | Wednesday, November 1, 2023 | Kampala
Uganda vs. Kenya | 4:00 PM EAT | Sunday, November 5, 2023 | Kampala
Kenya vs. Uganda | 4:00 EAT | Saturday, November 11, 2023 | Kisumu
