Kenya Simbas Head Coach Jerome Paarwater has named a final 33-man squad to embark on a one-month high-performance training camp in South Africa as they prepare for the 2027 Rugby World Cup Qualifiers scheduled to take place in Uganda.
The squad was trimmed from an initial group of 53 players following a training match against UAE Rugby on May 24 at the RFUEA Grounds, which concluded a week-long training program held in Kakamega.
Coach Paarwater expressed satisfaction with the progress made during the Kakamega camp, highlighting the importance of the training match in assessing players, particularly those who had not been involved in the Simbas setup over the past two years.
“It was important for us to see all 47 players in a game situation,” Paarwater said, noting that the team will face strong South African provincial sides such as the SWD Eagles, Blue Bulls, and Sanlam Boland Cavaliers during the camp to sharpen their readiness for the Rugby Africa Cup.
The squad features a mix of experienced campaigners and promising newcomers, led by captain George Nyambua. Notable inclusions are Samuel Ovwamu and Collins Indeche, while veterans John Okoth, Samuel Asati, and Bethwel Anami return after featuring in the 2023 World Cup qualifiers.
Paarwater emphasized the competitive nature of the selection process and the need for continuous performance, form, and discipline, with players outside the squad remaining on standby for call-ups as necessary.
The 33 players are set to depart for South Africa later this week, where they will be joined by South African-based players David Bunduki and Thomas Okeyo, as well as Hillary Mwanjilwa, who is working towards a return from injury.
The Simbas 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
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