NEWS

Kenya Simbas tech bring in Ashihundu ahead of crucial Rugby Africa Cup face-off with Zimbabwe

By Amanga collins

Posted on July 12, 2025

Kenya Simbas players in a past captain run at Rugby Africa Cup. PHOTO/Scrummage Africa

Kenya Simbas head coach Jerome Paarwater has named his squad for the Rugby Africa Cup semi-final against defending champions Zimbabwe Sables, scheduled for Sunday at 4:00 p.m. at Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Uganda.

The technical bench has opted for consistency, making just one change to the side that defeated Uganda in the quarterfinals.

Kenya Simbas lone change

Derrick Ashihundu steps into the starting XV, replacing Timothy Omela on the wing. Ashihundu will feature on the right wing, while Griffin Chao, who has already bagged a brace of tries in the tournament, retains his spot on the left wing.

Jone Kubu continues at fullback, with the midfield partnership of Walter Okoth and Bryceson Adaka also maintained.

In the halfback positions, Samuel Asati starts again at scrum-half and Barry Young holds on to the fly-half role, looking to steer the Simbas’ attack.

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The forwards pack remains unchanged, a show of confidence in the unit’s performance. Bethuel Anami starts at number eight, flanked by Patrick Sabatia, earning his second test cap, and Thomas Okeyo on the blindside.

In the engine room, captain George Nyambua will once again combine with towering young lock Andycole Omolo in the second row.

The experienced front row trio of Ephraim Oduor, Eugene Sifuna, and Wilhite Mususi will be tasked with setting the platform up front.

With a place in the Rugby Africa Cup final and a step closer to 2027 Rugby World Cup qualification on the line, the Simbas will be aiming to dethrone the Zimbabwe Sables and continue their strong run in the tournament.