Kenya Simbas name formidable squad for Victoria Cup

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RUGBY Kenya Simbas name formidable squad for Victoria Cup

Joel Omotto 10:00 - 28.10.2023

Kenya Simbas coach Carlos Katywa has included four debutants in a strong 25-man squad for the Victoria Cup tournament set to kick off in Uganda next week

Kenya Simbas coach Carlos Katywa has unveiled a formidable squad for the Victoria Cup duel against Uganda and Zambia starting next week.

The Simbas 25-man squad that departs on Sunday evening for Kampala, Uganda has Kabras Sugar utility forward George Nyambua, who will be the captain, and also features four debutants in Paul Mutsami, Peter Waitere, Dan Ang’wech and Emmanuel Otieno.

Eugene Sifuna, David Bunduki and Shem Okola are the three non-travelling reserves.

The Simbas, who have been in residential training in Kakamega, will begin their campaign against Zambia at Kyadondo grounds on November 1 before taking on hosts Uganda on November 5 at King’s Park in a fixture that also doubles up as the opening match of the Elgon Cup, the cross-border fixture between Kenya and Uganda that has been played since 2004.

Kabras Sugar coach Katywa and Curtis Aluoch will handle the side in the absence of head coach Jerome Paarwater who will link up with the side ahead of the Elgon Cup return match against Uganda in Kisumu on November 11.

Paarwater assured early this week that he will find ways to give every player who participates in the two tournaments as much game time as possible in order to understand what they can give him in future international assignments, including the 2027 World Cup qualifiers.

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“If you look at the World Cup, all the second-tier guys are complaining about not playing more rugby,” said Paarwater.

“I think the more rugby they play, the better for any country. Also, Simbas want to prepare for next year’s Currie Cup and then obviously, the main focus is to have more game time to see if the Simbas can qualify for the next World Cup.”

The Victoria Cup returns for the first time since 2019 when it was last held with Zimbabwe emerging victorious after securing 23 points from six matches with their only loss coming against Kenya.

Kenya last won the Victoria Cup in its inaugural year in 2010 when they beat Zimbabwe in the final before the Sables edged them to claim victory in the subsequent two editions.

In the Elgon Cup, Kenya are the undisputed kings after winning 11 of the 13 editions played since the first tournament in 2004.

KENYA SIMBAS VICTORIA CUP SQUAD

George Nyambua (Kabras Sugar, captain) Brian Wahinya (KCB), Elkeans Musonye (Menengai Oilers), Ephraim Oduor (Kabras Sugar), Derrick Ashiundu (Kabras Sugar), Bryceson Adaka (Kabras Sugar), Andrew Matoka (Strathmore Leos), Jone Kubu (Kabras Sugar), Hillary Mwanjilwa (Kabras Sugar), Teddy Akala (Kabras Sugar), Brian Ndirangu (Menengai Oilers), Hibrahim Ayoo (Menengai Oilers), Joel Inzuga (Mwamba), Walter Okoth (Kabras Sugar), Barry Robinson (Kabras Sugar), Jeanson Misoga (Kabras Sugar), Peter Waitere (KCB), Paul Mutsami (Keny Harlequin), Dan Ang’wech (Kabras Sugar), Reinhard Mwalati ( Masinde Muliro), Thomas Okidia (KCB), Wilhite Mususi (KCB), Emmanuel Otieno (Kabras Sugar), Hillary Odhiambo (Kabras Sugar), Alfred Orege (Kabras Sugar).

Non-Travelling Reserves: David Bunduki (Kabras Sugar), Eugene Sifuna (Kabras Sugar), Shem Okola ( Strathmore Leos)

Management: Carlos Katywa (Coach), Curtis Aluoch (Coach), Richard Ochieng (Conditioning Coach), Gerald Omondi (Physio), Jimmy Mnene (Team Manager)

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