Kenya Simbas head coach Jerome Paarwater has trimmed the national squad to 33 players ahead of the upcoming training camp in South Africa.
The squad features several standout performers from the Kenya Cup, including Patrick Sabatia, the player of the final, Collins Indeche, who enjoyed a stellar season, and Samuel Ovwamu.
Mwikhali in Kenya Simbas squad
Menengai Oilers prop Vincent Mwikhali, Brian Juma, and Derrick Ashihundu have also earned spots in the travelling team.
Kenya Simbas squad during a water break. PHOTO/Scrummage Africa
The Simbas have also included Kenya 7s stars Samuel Asati, John Okoth, and Brian Tanga in the squad.
Foreign-based players Melvin Thairu and Bethuel Anami have made the cut, while South Africa-based duo David Bunduki and Thomas Okeyo will join the team upon arrival in South Africa.
Hillary Mwanjilwa, currently working on his return from injury, is also expected to be part of the camp.
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 South African training program will be conducted in two phases. From May 28 to June 22, the team will be based in Cape Town, where they will collaborate with Western Province. During this phase, the Simbas will face Currie Cup teams in Saturday fixtures and engage in midweek contact sessions with local clubs and university sides.
From June 22 to 27, the squad will shift to Nylstroom, where they will train with the Blue Bulls. This phase will include two fixtures against the Bulls’ Currie Cup squads on June 24 and 26.
The Simbas are set to return to Kenya on June 27, followed by a short pre-departure camp on July 1 and 2. They will then travel to Uganda on July 3 for the Rugby Africa Cup, which doubles as the qualifier for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
The Kenya Simbas Squad to South Africa;
1. Ephraim Oduor – Kabras Sugar RFC
2. Edward Mwaura – Kabras Sugar RFC
3. Eugene Sifuna – Kabras Sugar RFC
4. Teddy Akala – Kabras Sugar RFC
5. Griffin Musila – KCB RFC
6. Wilhite Mususi – KCB RFC
7 . Vincent Mwikhali – Menengai Oilers RFC
8. Melvin Thairu – Gura Humorului Rugby Club
9. Hibrahim Ayoo – Menengai Oilers RFC
10. Brian Juma – Kabras Sugar RFC
11. Andycole Omolo – KCB RFC
12. Emanuel Silungi – KCB RFC
13. George Nyambua – Kabras Sugar RFC
14. Patrick Sabatia – Kabras Sugar RFC
15. Elvis Olukusi – KCB RFC
16. Collins Indeche- Kabras Sugar RFC
17. Bethuel Anami – MLSGP 78
18. Elkeans Musonye – Menengai Oilers RFC
19. Obat Kuke – Blak Blad RFC
20. Samuel Asati – KCB RFC
21. Samson Onsomu – Menengai Oilers RFC
22. Brian Tanga – Kabras Sugar RFC
23. Barry Young – Kabras Sugar RFC
24. Brian Wahinya – KCB RFC
25. Griffin Chao – Kabras Sugar RFC
26. Beldad Ogeta – Menengai Oilers RFC
27. Walter Okoth – Kabras Sugar RFC
28. Samuel Ovwamu – Menengai Oilers RFC
29. Bryceson Adaka – Kabras Sugar RFC
30. John Okoth – Menengai Oilers RFC
31. Tyson Juma – KCB RFC
32. Timothy Omela – Menengai Oilers RFC
33. Derrick Ashihundu – Kabras Sugar RFC
34. David Bunduki – Griffons RFC
35. Thomas Okeyo – Griffons RFC
36. Hillary Mwanjilwa – Kabras Sugar RFC
