Kenya Simbas kick off 2027 RWC qualification campaign as four Kenyans join Rhinos’ high-performance camp

Kenya Simbas celebrate winning the Elgon Cup last year (C) Nicholas Bamulanzeki

By Rama Mohammed
Tuesday, January 28, 2025

Kenya Simbas have officially kicked off their 2027 Rugby World Cup qualification preparations with a four-day residential camp in Kakamega. Meanwhile, four Kenyan players have been invited to the prestigious Rhinos High-Performance Camp in South Africa

The Kenya Simbas have kicked off their preparations for the 2027 Rugby World Cup qualifiers with a 47-man squad gathering for a four-day residential camp in Kakamega.

This marks the beginning of an intense build-up to the Rugby Africa Cup (RAC) in Uganda this July, where the winner will secure a spot in the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. The runner-up will have another chance through a pre-repechage playoff against Asia.

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17. Hillary Odhiambo – Kabras Sugar RFC

18. Hillary Baraza – Nondies RFC

19. Emmanuel Silungi – KCB RC

Blindside Flanker

20. George Nyambua – Kabras Sugar RFC

21. Collins Indeche – Kabras Sugar RFC

22. Ahmos Obae – Menengai Oilers

Openside Flanker

23. Charles Omondi – Nondies RFC

24. Elkeans Musonye – Menengai Oilers

25. Clinton Odhiambo – Menengai Oilers

Number 8

26. Jeanson Misoga – Kabras Sugar RFC

27. Sheldon Kahi – Kenya Harlequin FC

28. Obat Kuke – KU Blak Blad

Scrum Half

29. Cornelius Mokoro – CSA Steaua

30. Samson Onsomu – Menengai Cream Oilers

31. Emmanuel Opondo – KCB RC

Flyhalf

32. Brian Wahinya – KCB RC

33. Barry Young – Kabras Sugar RFC

34. Jone Kubu – Kabras Sugar RFC

Left Wing

35. Beldad Ogeta – Menengai Oilers

36. Griffin Chao – Kabras Sugar RFC

Inside Centre

37. Walter Okoth – Kabras Sugar RFC

38. Wiseman Aganya – Kenya Harlequin FC

39. Paul Mutsami – Kenya Harlequin FC

Outside Centre

40. Richel Wagila – Kenya Harlequin FC

41. Bryceson Adaka – Kabras Sugar RFC

42. Charles Odhiambo – Nondies RFC

43. Tyson Maina – KCB RC

Right Wing

44. Derrick Ashihundu – Kabras Sugar RFC

45. Alfred Orege – Kabras Sugar RFC

Fullback

46. Abdultwalib Wesonga – Menengai Oilers

47. Timothy Omela – Menengai Oilers

Rugby High-Performance Camp

While the Simbas focus on their qualification journey, four Kenyan players are also gaining valuable experience abroad. Andrew Matoka (Impala/Kenya Simbas), David Williams (Kisumu/Kenya Morans), Jackson Siketi (Kabras/Kenya Shujaa), and Dennis Ndayala (Mwamba/Chipu) have been invited to the prestigious Rhinos High-Performance Camp in Cape Town, South Africa. This programme runs from January to May 2025, offering the players an opportunity to improve their skills and rugby intelligence in a professional setup.

The players at the Rhinos High-Performance Camp in Cape Town are already undergoing intense training to improve their fitness and rugby IQ. Kenya 7s head coach Kevin Wambua, who has expressed optimism about the Rhinos’ programme, commented: “These high-performance camps are crucial in helping our players grow. I wish the lads all the best and look forward to seeing them return as better athletes.”

Andrew Matoka, who is currently training at Gordon’s Bay, shared his first impressions: “Player welfare here is exceptional. It feels like I’m in a professional setup. The training is tough, but the coaches have warned it will only get harder as the programme progresses.”

Frankie Horne, the legendary South African 7s player and head coach of the Rhinos High-Performance Program, has consistently supported Kenyan players. “We’re keen on helping Kenya unlock its athletes’ full potential. That’s why we’ve always welcomed Kenyan players into our high-performance camps,” he said.