Kenya Simbas Gearing Up for 2025 Rugby Africa Cup in Uganda
With the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup (RAC) on the horizon, Kenya Simbas have ramped up their preparations by assembling a formidable 47-man squad for an intensive alignment camp in Kakamega. The camp, which commenced on January 26 and runs until January 30, is a crucial step in fine-tuning the team ahead of the high-stakes continental competition set for July in Uganda.
Aiming for Redemption
The Simbas have a clear objective—securing direct qualification to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. Last year, Kenya fell short, finishing fourth after losing the third-place playoff to Namibia. Hosts Uganda placed fifth, while Zimbabwe claimed the championship with a hard-fought victory over Algeria. This time, Kenya is determined to rewrite the script and emerge as serious contenders for the RAC title.
Blending Experience with Emerging Talent
The selected squad showcases a blend of veteran players and emerging stars from Kenya’s domestic league. Among the fresh faces hoping to make an impact are Collins Indeche from Kabras RFC, Charles Odhiambo of Nondies RFC, Destorius Ifedha from Menengai Oilers, and Celestine Mboi, also from Menengai Oilers. Their inclusion underscores Kenya’s commitment to infusing new energy into the squad while maintaining a competitive edge.
To further bolster their ranks, the Simbas have called up several foreign-based players who bring valuable international experience. Cornelius Mokoro, currently playing for CSA Steaua in Romania, Andrew Siminyu from the University of Johannesburg in South Africa, and Melvin Thairu of SCM Rugby Timisoara in Romania will be key figures in Kenya’s bid for regional dominance.
The Road to Australia 2027
With Uganda hosting the 2025 RAC, Kenya faces the added challenge of playing on their neighbors’ turf while contending with powerhouses like Namibia and Zimbabwe. However, the Simbas remain optimistic, focusing on building team cohesion and tactical discipline during this training camp.
Even if Kenya falls short of clinching the title, all is not lost. The runner-up of the tournament will still have an opportunity to qualify for the Rugby World Cup through a pre-repechage playoff against an Asian team, keeping the dream alive for another shot at the global stage.
A Defining Moment for Kenyan Rugby
This alignment camp is more than just a preparation phase—it’s a statement of intent. With a mix of experienced campaigners and promising talents, the Simbas are laying the foundation for what could be a breakthrough tournament. The coming months will reveal whether Kenya can rise to the occasion and stake their claim among Africa’s rugby elite.