In Summary:
- Kenya Simbas crushed UAE Rugby 54-24 in a friendly match, showing strong comeback power after a slow start.
- Coach Jerome Paarwater used the game to pick the best players for an important training tour in South Africa.
- This victory boosts the Simbas’ confidence as they prepare for the Rugby Africa World Cup qualifiers next month in Uganda.
The Kenya Simbas, Kenya’s national rugby team, achieved a significant victory today, defeating UAE Rugby in a friendly match held at the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi. The Simbas won by a score of 54-24 against their visitors. This game served as an important preparation step for the Kenyan team before their planned training trip to South Africa. Head Coach Jerome Paarwater used this opportunity to evaluate players and select the best squad for the upcoming tour. Despite a slow start, the Kenya Simbas showed great strength in the second half, scoring many tries to secure their win. This triumph provides a strong boost in confidence for the team as they look ahead to the Rugby Africa World Cup qualifiers in Uganda.
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Kenya Simbas’ Strong Comeback
The Kenya Simbas began the match with good energy, but they quickly fell behind. UAE’s Justin Walsh scored the first try after a mistake by Kenya’s Festus Shiasi. With the successful kick, UAE took an early 7-0 lead.
Soon after, UAE scored another try, increasing their lead to 14-0. At this point, Coach Paarwater made a key decision, bringing in 15 new players.
This change proved effective. Bethuel Anami scored a try for Kenya, and Eric Cantona successfully converted it, reducing UAE’s lead to 14-7.
However, UAE responded quickly after Kenya’s Patrick Sabatia received a yellow card for a rule violation. UAE scored their third try, making the score 21-7.
Cantona then scored another try for Kenya, bringing the score to 21-14. UAE managed to add a penalty kick, extending their lead to 24-14.
Despite these setbacks, the Simbas did not give up. In the second half, they took full control of the game, scoring continuously to eventually win the match 54-24.
Game-Changing Tries and Team Effort
The Kenya Simbas’ strong comeback in the second half was very exciting to watch. The team introduced experienced players like Elkeans Musonye, Ibrahim Ayoo, Griffin Chao, Andycole Omollo, and Bryceson Adaka.
These skilled players were crucial in scoring the tries that completely changed the game. Musonye and Ayoo, in particular, showed excellent form, breaking through UAE’s defense multiple times. Eric Cantona’s kicks were very accurate, adding important extra points after the tries.
The yellow card given to Sabatia was a difficult moment for the team, but they managed to recover well from it. UAE tried to keep fighting, but Kenya’s speed and excellent teamwork were too much for them.
The fans at the RFUEA Grounds cheered loudly as the Simbas kept scoring. The final score clearly showed Kenya’s strength and skill on the rugby field.
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Preparing for South Africa and World Cup Qualifiers
This match was more than just a friendly game; it was an important trial for the Kenya Simbas’ upcoming trip to South Africa. The coaching staff carefully watched the players to select the top 33 members for the tour.
The team is set to leave on May 28, 2025.
In South Africa, they will train with well-known rugby clubs and universities. They are also scheduled to play against tough teams, including clubs from the Currie Cup, which is a major rugby competition in South Africa.
This intense training and match experience will help them get ready for the Rugby Africa World Cup qualifiers, which will take place in Uganda from June 6 to June 20, 2025.
Coach Paarwater commented, “This win shows we are heading in the right direction. The time in South Africa will make us even better.”
The Simbas are determined to perform well in the qualifiers and bring pride to Kenya. Their ultimate goal is to qualify for the Rugby World Cup.
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