The Kenya Simbas kicked off their alignment camp on Sunday, January 26, 2025, in Kakamega with a total of 47 players being invited to the camp, which runs until Thursday.
Following the camp’s conclusion, the players will return to their respective parent clubs.
Kenya Simbas new faces
This year’s camp features several new players who have impressed during the early stages of the season. Collins Indeche of Kabras RFC has had a strong start to the season with the defending champions. Charles Odhiambo from Nondies RFC, Destorius Ifedha of Menengai Oilers, and Celestine Mboi from Menengai Oilers have also made notable appearances.
Mohammed Khaidar from Kenya Harlequin FC, Erick Miheso of KCB RC, Hillary Baraza from Nondies RFC, and Emmanuel Opondo of KCB RC are also part of the camp.
The camp also includes several foreign-based players who bring international experience to the team. Cornelius Mokoro from CSA Steaua in Romania is part of the cap.
Andrew Siminyu from the University of Johannesburg in South Africa and Melvin Thairu from SCM Rugby Timisoara in Romania were also invited.
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The camp serves as preparation for the Rugby Africa Cup (RAC), scheduled to take place in Uganda this July. The tournament’s winner will secure a spot in the 2027 Rugby World Cup, which will be held in Australia.
The runner-up in the 2025 RAC will have another opportunity to qualify through a pre-repechage playoff match against Asia.
The Kenya Simbas are looking to refine their squad and build momentum as they aim for a strong performance in the RAC and a chance to make it to the global stage in 2027.
List of those invited to Kenya Simbas camp
Forwards
Loosehead Prop (1)
- Melvin Thairu – SCM Rugby Timisoara
- Edward Mwaura – Kabras Sugar RFC
- Ian Njenga – CSA Steaua
- Andrew Siminyu – University of Johannesburg
Hooker (2)
- Eugene Sifuna – Kabras Sugar RFC
- Celestine Mboi – Menengai Oilers
- Khaidar Mohamed (Hooker/Loosehead Prop) – Kenya Harlequin FC
- Teddy Akala – Kabras Sugar RFC
- Griffin Musila – KCB RC
Tighthead Prop (3)
- Wilhite Mususi – KCB RC
- Ephraim Oduor – Kabras Sugar RFC
- Desterious Ifedha – Menengai Oilers
- Emmanuel Otieno – Kabras Sugar RFC
- Erick Miheso (Tighthead/Loosehead Prop) – KCB RC
Lock (4/5)
- Hibrahim Ayoo – Menengai Oilers
- Andycole Omollo – KCB RC
- Hillary Odhiambo – Kabras Sugar RFC
- Hillary Baraza – Nondies RFC
- Emmanuel Silungi – KCB RC
Blindside Flanker (6)
- George Nyambua – Kabras Sugar RFC
- Collins Indeche – Kabras Sugar RFC
- Ahmos Obae – Menengai Oilers
Openside Flanker (7)
- Charles Omondi – Nondies RFC
- Elkeans Musonye – Menengai Oilers
- Clinton Odhiambo – Menengai Oilers
Number 8 (8)
- Jeanson Misoga – Kabras Sugar RFC
- Sheldon Kahi – Kenya Harlequin FC
- Obat Kuke – KU Blak Blad
Backs
Scrum-Half (9)
- Cornelius Mokoro – CSA Steaua
- Samson Onsomu – Menengai Cream Oilers
- Emmanuel Opondo – KCB RC
Flyhalf (10)
- Brian Wahinya – KCB RC
- Barry Young – Kabras Sugar RFC
- Jone Kubu – Kabras Sugar RFC
Left Wing (11)
- Beldad Ogeta – Menengai Oilers
- Griffin Chao – Kabras Sugar RFC
Inside Centre (12)
- Walter Okoth – Kabras Sugar RFC
- Wiseman Aganya – Kenya Harlequin FC
- Paul Mutsami – Kenya Harlequin FC
Outside Centre (13)
- Richel Wangila – Kenya Harlequin FC
- Bryceson Adaka – Kabras Sugar RFC
- Charles Odhiambo – Nondies RFC
- Tyson Maina – KCB RC
Right Wing (14)
- Derrick Ashihundu – Kabras Sugar RFC
- Alfred Orege – Kabras Sugar RFC
Fullback (15)
- Abdultwalib Wesonga – Menengai Oilers
- Timothy Omela – Menengai Oilers
