The Kenya Simbas have had a busy month since they kicked off their training with residential camps every weekend from 22nd May 2021 after Head Coach Paul Odera named a 102 man squad.
The three training camps have been held in Nairobi at the RFUEA Grounds with strict measures in place so as to limit any chance of covid19 spreading to the team. On Saturday 22nd May, the players underwent skills tests under the watchful eye of the technical team. On Sunday 23rd May, the players were divided into different teams and they had a few matches to gauge where they are when it comes to match fitness.
Based on the data received by the team’s analyst, the technical team narrowed down the team to 60 players and a week later, during their second residential camp, they had a two-day training session at RFUEA Grounds, which was reduced further to 43 players.
Commenting on the team’s training sessions so far, Samson Onsomu, one of The Simba’s leadership group members had this to say, “The first session was a combination of over 90 players both fit and unfit and those who were still working towards getting their fitness back after being away from the game for a while. The tests we did on the first day were quite demanding for a number of us but the more we did these tests during the camps, the more our fitness kept on improving. When you compare the camps we’ve had, our fitness is much better and the players are gradually gelling with each other and this has improved our gameplays,”
These 43 players held the third camp on 5th/6th June and are set to hold their 4th this weekend.
Due to the covid19 pandemic, the camp will continue to be held in a closed stadium without fans as per the Ministry of Sports guidelines. Additionally, all the players and technical team members going into the camp have had their covid19 tests done. Once in the bubble, KRU has ensured that there are designated handwashing stations within the training venue and all the training equipment is sanitized after every session.
The team is preparing for the 2021 Rugby Africa Cup that takes place from
The final 43-man Kenya Simbas Squad:
Loosehead props: Ian Njenga(Nondescripts), Collins Obure(Blakblad), Nesta Okotch(Impala Saracens), Andrew Peter Siminyu(University of Johannesburg). Hookers: Toby Francombe(Unattached), Boniface Ochieng(Kenya Harlequins), Eugene Sifuna(Kabras), Griffin Musila(KCB). Tighthead props: Ian Masheti(Impala Saracens), Ephraim Oduor(Kabras), Patrick Ouko(KCB). Locks: Davis Chenge(KCB), Thomas Okeyo(Top Fry Nakuru), Wallace Otieno(Homeboyz), Brian Juma(Kabras), Emmanuel Silungi(Homeboyz). Blindside flankers: Joshua Chisanga(Kenya Harlequins), George Nyambua(Kabras), Bethwel Anami(Strathmore), Dan Sikuta(Kabras). Openside flankers: Brian Amaitsa(Nondescripts), George Omolla(Mwamba), Fidel Oloo(Nondies). Number 8s: Elkeans Musonye(Impala Musonye), Tony Owuor(Mwamba), Steven Sakari Juma(Mwamba). Scrumhalves: Samson Onsomu(Impala Saracens), Samuel Asati(KCB), Barry Robinson(Kabras). Flyhalves: Charles Kuka(Mwamba), Dominic Coulson(Exeter University). Left wings: Timothy Okwemba(Menengai Oilers), Billy Omondi(Impala Saracens). Inside Centers: John Okoth(Top Fry Nakuru), Charles Tendwa(South Coast Pirates). Outside centers: Peter Kilonzo(KCB), Zedden Marrow(Homeboyz). Right Wings: Bryceson Adaka(Kabras), Brain Tanga(Kabras), Darwin Mukidza(KCB). Fullbacks: Anthony Odhiambo(Impala Saracens), Isaac Njoroge(KCB), Jone Kubu(Kabras).
