In preparation for the Elgon and Victoria Cup tournaments scheduled for the following month in Uganda, the Kenya Simbas have made some notable additions to their squad. Among the newcomers is Peter Waitere, a robust number eight from KCB, who joins three other debutants – Paul ‘Boi’ Mutsami of Quins, and the Kabras duo, Emmanuel Otieno and Dan Angwech.
These four players caught the eye of the technical staff during an intensive one-week training session held in Kakamega. Team manager Jimmi Mnene expressed confidence in their abilities and stated that they had earned their spots on the squad. Mnene added, “They really put their hands up in training and mastered their roles very well. We know they will add value to the team.”
The Kenyan rugby team will be led by George Nyambua, the captain from Kabras RFC, in both matches against Zambia (Victoria Cup) and Uganda (Elgon Cup).
The initial 38-man training squad was trimmed down to 25 following a rigorous selection process in Kakamega. According to Mnene, this final squad represents a balanced mix of youth and experience, aiming to demonstrate an attacking and well-balanced style of rugby during the Victoria and Elgon Cups.
The Kenya Simbas have embarked on their journey to Kampala, with a road trip taking them to their destination. Their first challenge will be against Zambia at Kyadondo Rugby Club on Wednesday. Subsequently, they will face neighboring and hosting Uganda on November 5 at King’s Park. This fixture also serves as the opening match of the Elgon Cup, a cross-border competition between Kenya and Uganda that has been contested since 2004. The return leg of the Elgon Cup is scheduled for November 11 in Kisumu.
In the absence of head coach Jerome Paarwater, who will join the team in Kisumu, the squad will be under the guidance of Kabras coach Carlos Katywa and KCB’s Curtis Aluoch.
Below is the list of the squad and the non-traveling reserves:
| Squad | Non-Traveling Reserves |
|---|---|
| George Nyambua (Captain) | David Bunduki |
| Ephraim Oduor | Eugene Sifuna |
| Derrick Ashiundu | Shem Okola |
| Bryceson Adaka | |
| Jone Kubu | |
| Hillary Mwanjilwa | Management: |
| Teddy Akala | Carlos Katywa (Coach) |
| Walter Okoth | Curtis Aluoch (Coach) |
| Barry Robinson | Richard Ochieng (Conditioning Coach) |
| Jeanson Misoga | Gerald Omondi (Physio) |
| Emmanuel Otieno | Jimmy Mnene (Team Manager) |
