The Kenya Simbas finished 4th in the 2024 Rugby Africa Cup, a placement that earned them a date with East African rivals, the Uganda Rugby Cranes.
This result for the Simbas came after a surprise 20-12 defeat to Algeria in the Semifinals, before being humbled by Namibia in the 3rd place playoff.
This World Cup qualifying year, the Simbas are back in the Rugby Africa Cup to rewrite that haunting history at the Mandela National Stadium, and hopefully qualify for the grand stage of world rugby.
To do that, the Kenya Rugby Union summoned 53 players into the provisional squad, sent a squad of 33 players to South Africa for an alignment camp, played 9 trial games, and have now settled on 28 players to represent the proud sporting nation of Kenya.
Of the selected 28 players, 13 players including Captain George Nyambua, come from Kenya Cup winners, Kabras Sugar RFC, representing about 46% of the squad. In total, only 4 other clubs, KCB, Menengai Oilers and KU Blakblad, shall feature on the Simbas squad this July.
Four debutants; Vincent Mwikhali, Patrick Sabatia and Samuel Ovwamu are expected to take to the pitch for the first time in Kenya colours, while the fourth, David Bunduki, who plies his trade at Griffons Rugby in South Africa alongside fellow Simba, Thomas Okeyo, concludes the list of rookies. Bethuel Anami of the MLSGP 78 Club in France is the other foreign-based player in the Simbas squad.
Jone Kubu, who was a doubt but made the squad joins fellow 7s players, Samuel Asati and Brian Tanga in the squad, while the services of experienced scrumhalf, Samson Onsomu, and flying winger, Beldad Ogeta, are going to be missed this cycle due to injury.
Full Kenya Simbas Squad
Forwards: Ephraim Oduor, Edward Mwaura, Eugene Sifuna, Teddy Akala, Wilhite Mususi, Vincent Mwikhali, Hibrahim Ayoo, Thomas Okeyo, Andycole Omolo, Emanuel Silungi, George Nyambua, Patrick Sabatia, David Bunduki, Obat Kuke, Bethuel Anami, Elkeans Musonye
Backs: Samuel Asati, Brian Tanga, Barry Young, Brian Wahinya, Griffin Chao, Walter Okoth, Samuel Ovwamu, Bryceson Adaka, John Okoth, Timothy Omela, Jone Kubu, Derrick Ashihundu