Captain Nyambua elated with Simbas win over Uganda Cranes

Kenya Simbas captain George Nyambua has commended the side's performance in their match against Uganda Cranes that was played at the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Kisumu on November 11. The Simbas roared 20-13 past the visitors in what summed up a beautiful Saturday.

The Simbas managed their hard-earned points through Kubu who scored two penalties and a converted try. Elkeans Musonye also added his name to the scoresheet with a five-pointer.

Reflecting on the weekend, captain Nyambua who plays his club rugby for Kabras RFC credited the Simbas' strategic shift. Jerome Paarwater's charges were on the hunt for revenge when they welcomed their East African neighbors in the lakeside city.

Their last meeting at the King's Park Arena in Kampala on Sunday 5 ended in a narrow 21-20 loss to Uganda. The win saw them claim the 14th Elgon Cup title as well as secure the 40-34 aggregate win.

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“We adjusted our strategy, placing emphasis on winning collisions, dominating the setpiece, and controlling the scoreboard. I am pleased that we secured the win following the Victoria Cup defeat in Kampala last weekend,” Nyambua explained.

Nyambua also noted that their loss to their rivals Uganda in the Victoria Cup propelled them to register good results. He explained that they headed into the match keen to give the fans a taste for their money.

“The loss in the Victoria Cup by a point was challenging for the team. We were determined to win the Elgon Cup at home to give our fans something to smile about,” he said.

Simbas' head coach Jerome Paarwater called for the need for improvement in various facets ahead of the 2024 Currie Cup and the international test season in June. This year, their Currie Cup journey was cut short owing to financial constraints.

Paarwater brought a wealth of experience to the team, after being with the Kenya Lionesses for the WXV3 assignment in Dubai. There was only one leg of the women’s Elgon Cup because the Kenya squad had just returned from the WXV 3 tournament where they successfully retained their slot for next year’s edition.

“With brief training periods and the inclusion of several new players, we recognize the necessity for extended training sessions to enhance our fundamental skills for the upcoming year,” Paarwater added.

Previous Elgon Cup Titles

Men

Kenya 13 titles ( 2004,2007,2008,2009,2010,2011,2013,2014,2016,2017,2018,2019,2023)

Uganda 3 (2006,2012,2015)

Women

Kenya 7 ( 2009, 2010, 2012, 2014,2015, 2019, 2023)

Uganda (2006,2008)