Kenya Sevens trio of Kevin Wekesa, William Mwanji and Festus Shaisi have been drafted into a 50-man Simbas training squad for the Rugby World Cup qualifiers in July.
The trio, who played for the Shujaa at the just concluded World Sevens Series tournament, will be assessed alongside the rest of the squad when the team heads for a one-week residential training camp in Kakamega from May 11-18.
Team manager Jimmi Mnene is optimistic the squad can finally end the years of misses and qualify for the Rugby World Cup in Australia in 2027. “The squad selected is provisional, but from the two training camps we had in January and March, there is a positive vibe in the team and desire to go all the way and qualify for the global extravaganza,” added Mnene.
The initial 50-man squad will undergo intense training and assessment, after which it will be trimmed down to 33 players. The selected 33 will then regroup on May 26th for a short camp before departing on May 28 for a high-performance tour in South Africa. This South African leg will be split into two key phases.
The first phase runs from May 28 to June 22 in Cape Town, in partnership with Western Province. During this time, Simbas will engage in Saturday fixtures against Currie Cup sides and midweek contact sessions with local clubs and university teams.
The second phase will see the team move to Nylstroom from June 22-27, where they will collaborate with the Blue Bulls. This camp will include matches on Tuesday and Thursday against the Bulls’ Currie Cup squads.
The Simbas will return to Kenya on June 27 for a brief pre-departure camp scheduled for July 1-2 before travelling to Uganda on July 3 for the highly anticipated qualifiers.
Commenting on the squad selection, head coach Jerome Paarwater noted significant changes driven largely by player injuries. “There are some major changes in the squad which have been brought about by injuries,” Paarwater stated.
He also extended his gratitude to club coaches across the Kenya Cup, crediting their involvement in the talent identification process. “I want to deeply thank the various coaches from the Kenya Cup teams.
They played a vital role in selecting players from their clubs in the past season.” Paarwater also confirmed the inclusion of several foreign-based players in the programme, underlining the team’s commitment to blending local talent with international experience.
Squad— Forwards: Melvin Thairu (Romania) Edward Mwaura (Kabras), Ian Njenga (Romania), Eugene Sifuna (Kabras), Celestine Mboi (Oilers), Teddy Akala (Kabras), Griffin Musila (KCB) Wilhite Mususi (KCB), Vincent Mwikali (Oilers), Ephraim Oduor (Kabras), Desterious Ifedha (Oilers), Hibrahim Ayoo (Oilers), Brian Juma (Kabras), Andycole Omollo (KCB), Hillary Odhiambo (Kabras), Thomas Okeyo (NovaVit Griffons), Emmanuel Silungi (KCB), George Nyambua (Kabras), Patrick Sabatia (Kabras), David Bunduki (Griffons), Kevin Wekesa (Kabras), Elvis Olukusi (KCB), Charles Omondi (Nondies), Elkeans Musonye (Oilers), William Mwanji (Kabras), Bethuel Anami (MLSGP 78), Sheldon Kahi (Harlequin) and Obat Kuke (Blak Blad), Backs: Brian Tanga ( Kabras), Samson Onsomu (Oiler), Samuel Asati (KCB), Brian Wahinya (KCB), Barry Young (Kabras), Jone Kubu (Kabras), Beldad Ogeta (Oilers), Festus Shiasi (KCB), Griffin Chao (Kabras), Walter Okoth (Kabras), Samuel Ovwamu (Oilers), John Okoth (Oilers), Paul Mutsami (Harlequin), Vincent Onyala (KCB), Bryceson Adaka (Kabras), Tyson Maina (KCB), Charles Odhiambo (Nondies), Austine Sikutwa (KCB), Timothy Omela (Oilers) and Alfred Orege (Kabras), Isaac Njoroge (KCB) and Eric Cantona (Kabras).
