Kenya Simbas head coach Jerome Paarwater has named a much-changed squad for Saturday’s Rugby Africa Cup third-place playoff against Algeria, set for 12:00 p.m.
Paarwater has rotated his charges, handing opportunities to players who have seen limited game time this tournament.
Kenya Simbas start for Ovwamu
Centre Samuel Ovwamu will finally make his long-awaited Kenya Simbas debut, partnering with John Okoth in midfield.
Brian Tanga starts at scrum-half with Brian Wahinya taking charge at fly-half. The back three features Derrick Ashihundu, Timothy Omela, and Jone Kubu, with only Ashihundu and Kubu being retained from the Zimbabwe loss.
In the forwards, David Bunduki, Elkeans Musonye, and Obat Kuke will combine in the back row, while Ibrahim Ayoo and Emmanuel Silungi form the lock pairing.
EDITOR’S PICKS:
- Why Patrick Odongo Okong’o feels indebted
- List of rugby prospects from high school
- Colman Were keen to redefine Kenyan rugby’s physical edge
- Follow Scrummage Africa on Facebook
The front row sees Vincent Mwikhali, Teddy Akala, and Edward Mwaura start, with Mwikhali making his first-ever start for the Simbas.
Kenya will be eyeing redemption after last season’s 20-12 semifinal defeat to Algeria, as they battle for a podium finish in this year’s competition.
Kenya Simbas Squad List
(Rugby Africa Cup 2025)
Players:
- Edward Mwaura
- Teddy Akala
- Vincent Mwikhali
- Emmanuel Silungi
- Hibrahim Ayoo
- David Bunduki
- Obat Kuke
- Elkeans Musonye (Captain)
- Brian Tanga
- Brian Wahinya
- Derrick Ashiundu
- Samuel Ovwamu
- John Okoth
- Timothy Omela
- Jone Kubu
Reserves/Bench:
16. Eugene Sifuna
17. Ephraim Oduor
18. Wilhite Mususi
19. Andycole Omolo
20. Thomas Okeyo
21. Samuel Asati
22. Barry Young
23. Walter Okoth
Technical Bench:
- Jerome Paarwater – Head Coach
- Qondani Katywa – Assistant Coach
- Jimmy Mnene – Team Manager
- Stephen Mankone – Head Physio
- Dr. Sup Awimbo – Team Doctor
- Gerald Omondi – Physio
- Joseph Guchu – Assistant Team Manager
