The Kenya Simbas are looking forward to their third-place playoff final against Namibia in the 2024 Rugby Africa Cup, set to take place on Sunday at 2:00 PM EAT at the Nelson Mandela Stadium.
Despite a tough 20-12 loss to Algeria in the semifinal on Wednesday, July 24th, the team remains positive and focused on finishing the tournament on a high note.
Reflecting on the semifinal loss, Head Coach Jerome highlighted some missed opportunities and areas for improvement.
“One aspect of our game which wasn’t good was the lineout and that’s where we normally attack from, especially in the opposition’s territory. Leading the game for 54 minutes and not scoring in the second half was disappointing as well,” he said.
Jerome emphasized the need to convert opportunities into points, especially in crucial moments of the game.
Looking ahead to the match against Namibia, Jerome mentioned plans to make strategic changes to the starting lineup.
“For the Namibia game, the players know that for this last game, we have to make some changes in the starting lineup because we have a number of new players in the setup and since we didn’t have a lot of time to prepare before traveling for this tournament, we need to expose all players to see how they perform at test level.
“So, the first two games, we retained the starting lineup, but we have made some changes for this Namibia game,” concluded Jerome.
The squad for the Namibia clash will be captained by Malcolm Onsando, who plays for Timisoara RC. The 2024 Rugby Super Series sensation, Obat Kuke, will make his debut for the Simbas as he starts at flanker.
Simbas captain George Nyambua is set to join the likes of Joel Ng’ang’a and Darwin Mukidza in the list of Simbas with 40 caps and above when he takes to the pitch on Sunday.
With a renewed sense of determination and strategic adjustments, the Kenya Simbas are set to give their all in the battle for third place, hoping to finish the 2024 Rugby Africa Cup on a victorious note.
Simbas Line Up
1. Edward Mwaura (Kabras Sugar RFC) 2. Griffin Musila(KCB RC) 3. Wilhite Mususi(KCB RC) 4. Thomas Okeyo(Griffons RFC) 5. Malcolm Onsando – C (Timisoara RC) 6. Clinton Odhiambo(Menengai Oilers) 7. Obat Kuke *(KU Blak Blad) 8. Elkeans Musonye(Menengai Oilers) 9. Michael Wanjala (KCB RC) 10. Abutwalib Wesonga(Menengai Oilers) 11. Alfred Orege (Kabras Sugar RFC) 12. Paul Mutsami(Kenya Harlequin RC) 13. Bryceson Adaka(Kabras Sugar RFC) 14. Beldad Ogeta(Menengai Oilers) 15. Barry Robinson – VC (Kabras Sugar RFC) 16. Eugene Sifuna(Kabras Sugar RFC) 17. Ephraim Oduor (Kabras Sugar RFC) 18. Hillary Mwanjilwa(Kabras Sugar RFC) 19. Ibrahim Ayoo(Menengai Oilers) 20. Hilary Odhiambo(Kabras Sugar RFC) 21. George Nyambua(Kabras Sugar RFC) 22. Samson Onsomu(Menengai Oilers) 23. Derrick Ashihundu (Kabras Sugar RFC)
