The Kenya Simbas have announced a 50-man provisional squad as they commence preparations for the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup, scheduled to take place in Uganda this July.
This tournament serves as a crucial qualifier for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
Kenya Simbas blend
The squad features a blend of seasoned internationals and emerging talents. Notably, France-based forward Bethuel Anami makes a return to the national setup for the first time since the 2022 qualifiers.
David Bunduki, who has been honing his skills with South Africa’s Griffons, also rejoins the team. From the Gura Humorului Rugby Club, both Ian Njenga and Melvin Thairu have earned call-ups.
Additionally, Thomas Okeyo of NovaVit Griffons has been selected, bolstering the squad’s depth.
The squad also benefits from the inclusion of Kenya 7s stars such as Kevin Wekesa, Festus Shiasi, Brian Tanga, William Mwanji, John Okoth, Vincent Onyala, and Samuel Asati, indicating a strategic blend of speed and experience.
Local standouts like Celestine Mboi, Desterious Ifedha, Patrick Sabatia, Sheldon Kahi, Samuel Ovwamu, Charles Omondi, and Eric Cantona have been recognized for their impressive performances in domestic competitions.
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The Simbas will commence a residential training camp in Kakamega from May 11 to 18, focusing on intensive sessions to assess fitness and team cohesion. Following this, the coaching staff will trim the squad to 33 players based on performance and tactical considerations. The finalized squad will reconvene on May 26 for a brief pre-departure camp before embarking on their South African tour.
The South African leg of the preparation is divided into two phases. From May 28 to June 22, the team will be based in Cape Town, collaborating with Western Province. During this period, the Simbas will engage in Saturday fixtures against Currie Cup sides and midweek contact sessions with local clubs and university teams. Subsequently, from June 22 to 27, the team will move to Nylstroom to work with the Blue Bulls, including matches on June 24 and 26 against the Bulls’ Currie Cup squads.
Upon returning to Kenya on June 27, the Simbas will hold a short pre-departure camp on July 1 and 2. They are scheduled to travel to Uganda on July 3, ahead of the Rugby Africa Cup, which serves as a qualifier for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
This comprehensive preparation plan underscores the Kenya Simbas’ commitment to securing a spot in the upcoming World Cup, blending local talent with international experience to build a formidable squad.
Forwards
Loosehead Props (Jersey 1):
- Melvin Thairu – Gura Humorului Rugby Club
- Edward Mwaura – Kabras Sugar RFC
- Ian Njenga – Gura Humorului Rugby Club
Hookers (Jersey 2):
- Eugene Sifuna – Kabras Sugar RFC
- Celestine Mboi – Menengai Oilers
- Teddy Akala – Kabras Sugar RFC
- Griffin Musila – KCB
Tighthead Props (Jersey 3):
- Wilhite Mususi – KCB
- Vincent Mwikali – Menengai Oilers
- Ephraim Oduor – Kabras
- Desterious Ifedha – Menengai Oilers
Locks (Jerseys 4 & 5):
- Hibrahim Ayoo – Menengai Oilers
- Brian Juma – Kabras
- Andycole Omollo – KCB
- Hillary Odhiambo – Kabras
- Thomas Okeyo – NovaVit Griffons
- Emmanuel Silungi – KCB
Blindside Flankers (Jersey 6):
- George Nyambua – Kabras RFC
- Patrick Sabatia – Kabras RFC
- David Bunduki – NovaVit Griffons
- Kevin Wekesa – Kabras RFC
Openside Flankers (Jersey 7):
- Elvis Olukusi – KCB
- Charles Omondi – Nondies
- Elkeans Musonye – Menengai Oilers
- William Mwanji – Kabras
Number 8s (Jersey 8):
- Bethuel Anami – MLSGP 78
- Sheldon Kahi – Kenya Harlequin
- Obat Kuke – Blak Blab
Scrum Halves (Jersey 9):
- Brian Tanga – Kabras
- Samson Onsomu – Menengai Cream Oilers
- Samuel Asati – KCB RFC
Flyhalves (Jersey 10):
- Brian Wahinya – KCB
- Barry Young – Kabras Sugar
- Jone Kubu – Kabras Sugar
Left Wings (Jersey 11):
- Beldad Ogeta – Menengai Cream Oilers
- Festus Shiasi – KCB
- Griffin Chao – Kabras Sugar
Inside Centres (Jersey 12):
- Walter Okoth – Kabras Sugar
- Samuel Ovwamu – Menengai Oilers
- John Okoth – Menengai Oilers
- Paul Mutsami – Kenya Harlequin
Outside Centres (Jersey 13):
- Vincent Onyala – KCB
- Bryceson Adaka – Kabras Sugar
- Tyson Maina – KCB
- Charles Odhiambo – Nondies
Right Wings (Jersey 14):
- Austine Sikutwa – KCB
- Timothy Omela – Menengai Oilers
- Alfred Orege – Kabras Sugar
Fullbacks (Jersey 15):
- Isaac Njoroge – KCB
- Eric Cantona – Kabras Sugar
