The Kenya Simbas have commenced their preparations for the upcoming Rugby Africa Cup matches, set to take place in Uganda in July 2024.
The team held their first training session at KCB Sports Club under the guidance of head coach Jerome Paarwater, following the conclusion of the 2023/24 season.
Kenya Simbas preps
“Preparations for this year’s Rugby Africa Cup are underway. We’ve kicked off our first training camp,” the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) announced.
Preparations for this year’s Rugby Africa Cup are underway. We’ve kicked off our first training camp. #SupportTheSimbas pic.twitter.com/qiSRpDIPv2
— #SupportTheSimbas (@KenyaSimbas) June 12, 2024
Late last month, KRU unveiled the training squad, which includes 14 new players. Among the fresh faces are Amos Obae, the Rugby Super Series Player of the Tournament, and top points scorer Quinto Ongo.
The squad also features the Kenya 7s duo Denis Abukuse and William Mwanji, Blak Blad’s Obat Kuke, and Kabras speedster Griffin Chao. The selectors have assembled a diverse group of players, including Francis Atiti, Felix Ojow, Felix Okoth, Tyson Maina, Richel Wangila, Matthias Osimbo, and Abutwalib Wesonga.
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Former Kenya Sevens international Johnstone Olindi, currently playing club rugby in Canada, has made the cut along with Brian Ndirangu, who recently relocated to Canada. The squad sees the return of foreign-based trio Andrew Siminyu, Malcolm Onsando, and Thomas Okeyo, as well as Edward Mwaura, Clinton Juma, Samson Onsomu, Beldad Ogeta, and Emmanuel Silungi, who missed out on last year’s internationals. Ntabeni Dukisa has been retained.
Timothy Okwemba is back in the squad after recovering from an injury. Meanwhile, John Okoth, Vincent Onyala, Brian Tanga, Samuel Asati, and Lamech Ambetsa are currently away with the national sevens team, Shujaa, as they prepare for the Olympic Games.
Kenya Simbas Jone Kubu leads attack against Zambia. Photo/Uganda Rugby Union.
Jone Kubu is recovering from an ankle injury and is undergoing return-to-play protocols following successful surgery.
The Simbas will kick off their 2024 season with the Rugby Africa Cup, scheduled to take place from July 20-28 in Kampala, Uganda.
KENYA SIMBAS 2024 SQUAD
LOOSEHEAD PROPS: Francis Atiti (Menengai Oilers), Edward Mwaura (Kabras Sugar), Andrew Siminyu (University of Johannesburg, South Africa)
HOOKERS: Eugene Sifuna (Kabras Sugar), Teddy Akala (Kabras Sugar), Griffin Musila (KCB)
TIGHTHEAD PROPS: Wilhite Mususi (KCB), Ephraim Oduor (Kabras Sugar), Hillary Mwanjilwa (Kabras Sugar)
LOCKS: Brian Juma (Kabras Sugar), Hibrahim Ayoo (Menengai Oilers), Felix Okoth (Nakuru), Clinton Juma (Menengai Oilers), Hillary Odhiambo (Kabras Sugar), Malcolm Onsando ( SCM Rugby Timisoara, Romania), Emmanuel Silungi (KCB)
BLINDSIDE FLANKERS: George Nyambua (Kabras Sugar), Felix Ojow (KCB), Amos Obae (Nakuru)
OPENSIDE FLANKERS: Brian Ndirangu (Westshore RFC, Canada), Thomas Okeyo (NovaVit Griffons, South Africa), Elvis Olukusi (KCB), William Mwanji (Kabras Sugar)
NUMBER EIGHTS: Jeanson Musoga (Kabras Sugar), Elkeans Musonye (Menengai Oilers), Obat Kuke (Blak Blad)
SCRUM HALVES: Michael Wanjala (KCB), Samson Onsomu (Menengai Oilers), Brian Wahinya (KCB)
FLY HALVES: Ntabeni Dukisa (Kabras Sugar), Barry Young (Kabras Sugar), Johnstone Olindi (Westshore RFC, Canada)
LEFT WING: Beldad Ogeta (Menengai Oilers), Griffin Chao (Kabras Sugar), Derrick Ashiundu (Kabras Sugar)
INSIDE CENTERS: Walter Okoth (Kabras Sugar), Tyson Maina (Menengai Oilers), Paul Mutsami (Kenya Harlequin)
OUTSIDE CENTERS: Richel Wangila (Kenya Harlequin), Bryceson Adaka (Kabras Sugar), Mathias Osimbo (Kabras Sugar), Dennis Abukuse (Menengai Oilers)
RIGHT WING: Joel Inzuga (Mwamba), Timothy Omela (Menengai Oilers), Alfred Orege (Kabras Sugar)
FULLBACKS: Abutwalib Wesonga (Menengai Oilers), Quinto Ongo (Impala)
