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Kenya Simbas 38-man training squad revealed ahead of Victoria Cup

By Amanga collins

Posted on October 24, 2023

Kenya Simbas in a past action. Photo Courtesy/KRU.

Kenya Simbas squad has been revealed ahead of the Victoria Cup and Elgon Cup matches slated for November 2023.

The majority of the players who were part of the Currie Cup campaign have been retained in the squad with new inclusions being Dan Angwech who impressed in Kenya Cup last season, Shem Okola and Paul Mutsami.

Keny Simbas returnees

Edward Mwaura, Mike Kimwele and Emmanuel Silungi are back in the squad. The team will miss the services of Samuel Asati, Beldad Ogeta, and Elvis Olukusi who are with the Kenya 7s and Timothy Mmasi who moved to USA.

Kenya Simbas in action at the Currie Cup. Photo Courtesy/KRU

The team is currently in Kakamega for the training session and will be trimmed to 28 ahead of the Uganda trip.

Unlike the 2019 edition, the 2023 competition will feature a one-off face-off format with Zimbabwe Sables set to miss.

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The Kenya Simbas will make their way to Kampala, with their arrival set for October 30, and they will kick off their campaign against Zambia at Kyadondo on November 1.

Meanwhile, the Uganda Cranes will commence their journey by facing Zambia at King’s Park Arena in Bweyogerere on 28 October.

A key highlight in the schedule is the showdown between the Simbas and the Uganda Cranes, set for November 5 at King’s Park Arena. This match will also serve as the first leg of the Elgon Cup.

The Simbas will subsequently travel back for the Elgon Cup return leg, scheduled for November 11, 2023

Kenya Simbas prepare for a scrum against EP Elephants. Photo Courtesy/ KRU

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.

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.

Kenya Simbas squad

FORWARDS: Ephraim Oduor (Kabras Sugar), TJ Okidia (KCB), Ian Njenga (Kenya Harlequin), Edward Mwaura (Menengai Oilers),Eugene Sifuna (Kabras Sugar), Teddy Akala (Kabras Sugar), Griffin Musila (KCB), Emmanuel Otieno (Kabras Sugar), Hillary Mwanjilwa (Kabras Sugar), Wilhite Mususi (KCB), Meshack Tunechi (Kenya Harlequin), Ian Masheti (Strathmore Leos),Hillary Odhiambo (Kabras Sugar), David Bunduki (Kabras Sugar), Emmanuel Silungi (KCB), Hibrahim Ayoo (Menengai Oilers), Clinton Odhiambo (Menengai Oilers),George Nyambua (Kabras Sugar, captain), Sheldon Kahi (Kenya Harlequin),Brian Ndirangu (Menengai Oilers), Reinhard Mwalati ( Masinde Muliro), Jeanson Musoga (Kabras Sugar), Peter Waitere (KCB), Elkeans Musonye (Menengai Oilers)

BACKS: Barry Young (Kabras Sugar), Dan Ang’wech (Kabras Sugar), Brian Wahinya (KCB), Paul Mutsami (Kenya Harlequin), Walter Okoth (Kabras Sugar), Shem Okola (Strathmore Leos), Jone Kubu (Kabras Sugar), Matoka Matoka (Strathmore Leos), Byrceson Adaka (Kabras Sugar), Peter Kilonzo (KCB), Joel Inzuga (Mwamba), Derrick Ashiundu (Kabras Sugar), Alfred Orege (Kabras Sugar), Michael Kimwele (KCB)