For the past decade, Kenya Simbas have come close but heartbreaks in the finals have left them watching the Rugby World Cup from home.
In 2014, the Simbas’ dream ended with a 27-10 loss to Zimbabwe, denying them a place in the 2015 World Cup in England.
Three years ago, Kenya fell short once again after losing to Namibia in the Rugby Africa Cup final and thus missing the ticket to the 2023 tournament that was won by South Africa Springboks.
This week, Kenya has yet another golden opportunity as the 2024 Rugby Africa Cup kicks off Tuesday at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Kampala, Uganda.
The tournament acts as a qualifier for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
Simbas scrum half Samuel Asati is confident that this time, the team is better prepared than ever before.
Speaking ahead of their opening match against Uganda from 4pm, Asati credited their recent training camp in South Africa for the team’s readiness.
“This has honestly been one of the most productive and intense training camps we’ve had in a long time,” Asati said.
“The structure of playing matches every three to four days pushed us physically and mentally. It mirrors the kind of pressure and scheduling we’ll face in Uganda, so it’s helped us adapt early.”
During their stay in South Africa in June, the Simbas played several matches to test their fitness and systems.
They drew 17-17 with the SWD Eagles, lost twice to the South Africa U20 side (42-24 and 75-19), beat the Barbarians, lost narrowly to the Limpopo Blue Bulls (42-35), and also faced the tough Sanlam Boland squad.
Asati believes this experience gives Kenya a real advantage this year.
“We’ve been able to test our systems under match conditions, which is something you can’t replicate in a regular training session. That kind of preparation is something we lacked back in 2022,” he added.
“This time, we’ve approached things differently. The matches have sharpened our game awareness and match fitness. I genuinely believe it gives us a real competitive edge heading into the qualifiers.”
The squad heading to Uganda reflects a strong domestic base and promising young talent. Reigning Kenya Cup champions Kabras Sugar RFC have contributed 11 players, including star names like Jone Kubu, Brian Tanga, George Nyambua, Ephraim Oduor, and Eugene Sifuna.
KCB Rugby has also chipped in with five players, including Asati, while Menengai Oilers have produced six players, three of whom—Vincent Mwikhali, Elkeans Musonye, and John Okoth—are making their senior debuts.
Adding international strength, South African-based Griffons RFC has David Bunduki and Thomas Okeyo. Beldad Ogeta and Samson Onsomu of the Oilers will miss out due to injury.
With the tournament expanding from 20 to 24 teams in 2027, the Simbas know this could be their best chance yet.