The Simbas squad for the upcoming Currie Cup 1st Division matches in South Africa has been announced, with 33 players set to represent Kenya.
Initially, the squad had 35 players, but Darwin Mukidza and Jacob Ojee were later excluded.
Simbas dominated by Champions Kabras
Kabras RFC dominate the squad with four new faces selected to play for the Simbas. They include Hillary Odhiambo, Alfred Orege, Walter Okoth, and Jeanson Musoga who has impressed in the number eight role. South African fly-half Ntabeni Dukisa has also made the cut.
Barry Robinson returns after missing the Simbas’ 2022 matches due to school commitments. Eight players from the 2022 squad have been retained, including Ephraim Oduor, Eugene Sifuna, Teddy Akala, Hillary Mwanjilwa, Brian Juma, George Nyambua, Bryceson Adaka, and Jone Kubu.
KCB rugby, the Kenya Cup runners-up, have six players in the squad, including Thomas Okidia, who last trained with the Simbas in 2018, and impressive lock Elvis Olukusi. Peter Kilonzo and Griffin Musila, who missed some assignments last year due to injuries, are also back in the squad.
Njenga, Musonye return
Ian Njenga and Elkeans Musonye, who left the camp due to injuries during the 2022 Currie Cup, return to the Simbas squad as part of the Kenya Harlequin contingent. Wilhite Mususi and Sheldon Kahi are first-timers from Kenya Harlequin who have made the squad.
Menengai Oilers have four players in the squad, including Emmanuel Mulla, Hibrahim Ayoo, Brian Ndirangu, and Beldad Ogeta, while MMUST have two players, Reinhard Mwalati and Timothy Mmasi.
Mwamba RFC’s Joel Inzuga and Strathmore Leos’ Ian Masheti have also been included. There is only one foreign-based player, Andrew Matoka, who is currently with Principia College, USA.
Notably, no players from Nakuru RFC, Blak Blad, Catholic Monks, and Mean Machine have been included in the squad.
Simbas Currie Cup squad breakdown
Kabras RFC (14) Ephraim Oduor, Eugene Sifuna, Teddy Akala, Hillary Mwanjilwa, Brian Juma, Hillary Odhiambo, George Nyambua, Jeanson Musoga, Barry Young, Ntabeni Dukisa, Walter Okoth, Bryceson Adaka, Alfred Orege, Jone Kubu
KCB Rugby: (6) T.J Okidia, Griffin Musila, Elvis Olukusi, Samuel Asati, Brian Wahinya, Peter Kilonzo
Kenya Harlequin: (4) Ian Njenga, Wilhite Mususi, Sheldon Kahi, Elkeans Musonye
Menengai Oilers: (4)Emmanuel Mulla, Hibrahim Ayoo, Brian Ndirangu, Beldad Ogeta
Mwamba: Joel Inzuga,
Strathmore Leos: Ian Masheti
MMUST: Reinhard Mwalati, Timothy Mmasi
Principia College, USA) Matoka Matoka
