Simbas suffer defeat to Kabras in build-up match

Kenya Cup defending champions Kabras RFC narrowly defeated Kenya 15s national team, Simbas 25-20 in a pre-season friendly match played at the ASK Kakamega Showground on Thursday 26 October.

The match was aimed at identifying the Simbas' weaknesses ahead of the much-anticipated Victoria Cup.

It was also meant to give the coaches a platform to select a team that will travel to Kampala, Uganda for the tournament set to kick off in November.

Hillary Salano, Patrick Lumumba, and Victor Asiligwa scored for Kabras RFC, while Bryson Adaka and Alfred Orege registered their names on the scoresheet for the Simbas.

Orege managed a brace.

The Simbas who are under the tutelage of Jerome Paarwater and Carlos Kyatwa, will be looking to impress in the Victoria and Elgon Cups.

They will start their campaign with a match against Zambia at Kyadondo Stadium on November 1.

A key highlight in the schedule is the showdown between the Simbas and noisy neighbors Uganda Cranes, set for November 5 at the King's Park Arena.

The clash will also serve as the first leg of the Elgon Cup.

They will subsequently travel back for the Elgon Cup return leg set for November 11 in Kisumu.

Kabras RFC on the other hand are preparing to defend their title when the 2023/24 season kicks off a month from now.

The Sugarmen are without 16 players who are playing for Kenya Simbas, and four more who are with the Shujaa.

Kibabii, Sigalagala, Kitale pick wins in Lake Victoria 15s pre-quarterfinals

Simbas’ upcoming fixtures:

Kenya vs. Zambia | 4:00 PM EAT | Wednesday, November 1, 2023 | Kampala

Uganda vs. Kenya | 4:00 PM EAT | Sunday, November 5, 2023 | Kampala

Kenya vs. Uganda | 4:00 EAT | Saturday, November 11, 2023 | Kisumu

FORWARDS: Ephraim Oduor (Kabras Sugar), TJ Okidia (KCB), Ian Njenga (Kenya Harlequin), Edward Mwaura (Menengai Oilers), Eugene Sifuna (Kabras Sugar), Teddy Akala (Kabras Sugar), Griffin Musila (KCB), Emmanuel Otieno (Kabras Sugar), Hillary Mwanjilwa (Kabras Sugar), Wilhite Mususi (KCB), Meshack Tunechi (Kenya Harlequin), Ian Masheti (Strathmore Leos), Hillary Odhiambo (Kabras Sugar), David Bunduki (Kabras Sugar), Emmanuel Silungi (KCB), Hibrahim Ayoo (Menengai Oilers), Clinton Odhiambo (Menengai Oilers), George Nyambua (Kabras Sugar, captain), Sheldon Kahi (Kenya Harlequin), Brian Ndirangu (Menengai Oilers), Reinhard Mwalati ( Masinde Muliro), Jeanson Musoga (Kabras Sugar), Peter Waitere (KCB), Elkeans Musonye (Menengai Oilers)

BACKS: Barry Young (Kabras Sugar), Dan Ang’wech (Kabras Sugar), Brian Wahinya (KCB), Paul Mutsami (Kenya Harlequin), Walter Okoth (Kabras Sugar), Shem Okola (Strathmore Leos), Jone Kubu (Kabras Sugar), Matoka Matoka (Strathmore Leos), Byrceson Adaka (Kabras Sugar), Peter Kilonzo (KCB), Joel Inzuga (Mwamba), Derrick Ashiundu (Kabras Sugar), Alfred Orege (Kabras Sugar), Michael Kimwele (KCB)