The Kenya Simbas had an entertaining training match against UAE Rugby on Saturday, 24^th  May 2025, at the RFUEA Grounds. It was evident that Head Coach Jerome Paarwater used this game to assess the extensive player pool available for selection for the upcoming Rugby Africa Cup in Uganda, which also serves as a qualifier for the 2027 Rugby World Cup. The game also served as an opportunity for the team to put into practice what they had been training in the Kakamega camp.

Captain George Nyambua confirmed this in a brief chat with Tisini. Nyambua noted that the UAE's inaugural rugby tour of Kenya provided a valuable chance for the 50 players in camp to showcase their abilities for final selection.

“This game was about testing our structures and executing in every zone. With 50 in camp and only 33 heading to South Africa, everyone had a fair chance to prove themselves,” the captain told Tisini.

Kenya Simbas vs UAE Recap 

The training match was structured into three 30-minute segments, allowing the Simbas to field three distinct teams. While the team was warming up for the start of the qualifier season, the fans were well and truly invested in the game.

Kenya Simbas began with high intensity and controlled possession, but poor ball handling, highlighted by 12 knock-ons, significantly hampered their ability to score.   The visitors demonstrated patience and executed rugby fundamentals flawlessly, capitalising on two opportunities to score two converted tries, ending the first segment 14-0.

In the second segment, Kenya Simbas had one converted try, while the visitors registered one converted try and scored a penalty goal. The third and final segment is where the Simbas came out roaring, scoring 47 unanswered points to the delight of the fans. 

It was a sign of a team that believed in their training and themselves to stage a comeback. Fly half, Eric Cantona told Tisini,

“I didn’t look down; I kept a positive mind and a clear head, and it ended up working well for me.”

In the end, it was a clear domination with the Simba leading in carries with 97, 39 of them were carries into the opponents' 22. The team registered 11 line breaks and visited the opponents' 22 fifteen times.

Discipline may be a concern with 9 penalties conceded, including one for dangerous play and another for a dangerous tackle. In addition, the 12 knocks ons, stick out like a sore thumb, especially as they occurred after some good phases of play.

 Ovwamu’s Debut and the final 33 Squad

The Saturday afternoon outing was also a debut for the Menengai Oilers' powerful centre, Samuel Ovwamu. He had a good 30 minutes in the national team colours, where he registered 3 successful carries, 2 tackles and a line break. 

Ovwamu saw this as a good progression in his rugby career and expressed his desire to make the final 33-man squad. 

“I wish and I hope I am going to make the thirty-three players who will be travelling to South Africa,” the centre told Tisini. 

 Kenya Simba’s head coach Jerome Paarwater and the technical bench did grant the centre his wish as he made the squad bound to tour South Africa. As part of their preparations, the Simbas will play several experienced Western Province teams in South Africa, including the SWD Eagles, the Blue Bulls, and the Sanlam Boland Cavaliers. 

On selection, coach Jerome stated, “It was a tough selection for us to trim the squad from 53 to 33, as all the players really showed up. We have picked what we believe is the best in the country at the moment and are looking forward to the challenge in SA. We will be able to rotate the team as need be based on form, discipline and injuries, so there are no holidays for the players who haven’t been selected. We can call upon them at any time, as we know what they can do.” 

Kenya Simba’s Touring 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

Feature Image Credit: KRU