Captain George Nyambua leads a balanced squad featuring experienced names like Samuel Asati, Beldad Ogeta, John Okoth and Bethwel Anami, alongside emerging talents such as Samuel Ovwamu
The Kenya Simbas have named a final 33-man squad set to head to South Africa for a month-long high-performance training camp, as preparations intensify for the 2027 Rugby World Cup Qualifiers set to take place in Uganda.
The squad announcement follows a training match against UAE Rugby on Saturday, May 24 at RFUEA Grounds, which marked the end of the local phase of their preparation. The team had earlier camped in Kakamega from May 12–18, before wrapping up with the friendly played in three 30-minute blocks.
Head coach Jerome Paarwater said the match helped the technical bench assess players, especially those returning to the squad after a two-year absence.
“It was important to see all 47 players in a match setting. Some lacked finishing power, but others really stepped up. We now have four critical weeks in South Africa to fine-tune our squad ahead of the Rugby Africa Cup,” he said.
The Africa Cup, which also serves as the 2027 World Cup Qualifier, will feature some of the continent’s top sides. To prepare, the Simbas will play against elite South African teams including SWD Eagles, Blue Bulls, and Sanlam Boland Cavaliers.
Captain George Nyambua leads a balanced squad featuring experienced names like Samuel Asati, Beldad Ogeta, John Okoth and Bethwel Anami, alongside emerging talents such as Samuel Ovwamu and Collins Indeche.
Coach Paarwater acknowledged the difficulty of trimming the original 53-man list: “The selection wasn’t easy. Everyone gave their all. But we’ve picked what we believe is the best squad at this point.”
The team will depart for South Africa later this week, where they will be joined by South Africa-based duo David Bunduki and Thomas Okeyo, and eventually by Hillary Mwanjilwa, who is completing his return to play protocol after a long injury layoff.
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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