Kenya Simbas Face UAE in Crucial World Cup Qualifier Warm-Up

In Summary:

The Kenya Simbas rugby team will play a friendly match against the UAE in Nairobi this Saturday to prepare for World Cup qualifiers.
This game helps coaches pick the final 33 players who will go to South Africa for intense training against strong teams.
The Simbas aim to win the qualifiers in Uganda in July to reach the Rugby World Cup.

Kenya’s national rugby team, the Simbas, is getting ready for the Rugby Africa World Cup qualifiers in Uganda by playing a key warm-up game against the UAE this Saturday in Nairobi. This match is vital for the coaches to choose the best players for a special trip to South Africa, where the team will train and play against top clubs. The Simbas are determined to win the qualifiers in July and make it to the Rugby World Cup, hoping their tough preparation pays off.

Kenya Simbas Prepare for World Cup Qualifiers

The Kenya Simbas rugby team will play a friendly match against the UAE in Nairobi this Saturday to prepare for World Cup qualifiers. Photo courtesy.

Kenya’s national rugby team, the Kenya Simbas, is intensely preparing for the upcoming Rugby Africa World Cup qualifiers in Uganda.

As a vital part of their training, the Simbas will play a friendly match against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi. This game is a major step in their readiness, helping coaches decide the final squad for a crucial training trip to South Africa.

The main qualifiers are scheduled for Kampala, Uganda, from July 6 to 20, 2025. The team began their training with 50 players in Kakamega on May 11, 2025. Following the match against the UAE, the coaching staff will select the top 33 players.

These chosen players will then travel to South Africa on May 28, 2025, for more intense training and matches against strong teams. The Kenya Simbas are focused on being in top form for the significant tournament ahead.

UAE Match: A Crucial Test for Squad Selection

The friendly match against the UAE on May 24, 2025, is more than just practice; it’s a critical evaluation. Head coach Jerome Paarwater emphasized that this game will determine which players earn their spot on the squad.

He stated, “We need to see if they can put what we’ve taught them into action.” Coaches will closely observe how each player performs in their assigned roles during the game.

Eight players from the Kenya Sevens team, who recently finished their World Sevens Series commitments, have joined the Simbas. Paarwater believes these players, with their experience in high-level rugby, will quickly adapt and contribute to the team.

This friendly fixture is the last chance for players to prove their worth before the final squad for the South Africa tour is announced. It’s a pivotal moment in the Simbas’ journey towards the qualifiers.

The friendly match against the UAE on May 24, 2025, is more than just practice; it’s a critical evaluation. Photo courtesy.

Intensive South Africa Tour Planned

The planned trip to South Africa is a key component of the Simbas’ preparation strategy, designed to significantly boost the team’s strength and cohesion. The tour is divided into two phases:

Phase One (May 28 – June 22, 2025): The Simbas will be based in Cape Town. They will work closely with the Western Province Rugby Union. This period will include weekend matches against Currie Cup teams, alongside training sessions with major club and university teams during the week.

Phase Two (June 22–27, 2025): The team will then move to Nylstroom. Here, they will train with the Blue Bulls and play against their Currie Cup teams on both Tuesday and Thursday.

The Simbas are set to return to Kenya on June 27, 2025. They will have two more training days, on July 1 and 2, before flying to Uganda on July 3, 2025, for the qualifiers.

In Uganda, they will compete against tough opponents such as Zimbabwe, Algeria, Senegal, Uganda, Morocco, Cote d’Ivoire, and Namibia. This extensive tour is expected to sharpen their skills and teamwork for these challenging matches.

Chasing World Cup Qualification

The chosen players will travel to South Africa on May 28, 2025, for more intense training and matches against strong teams. Photo courtesy.

The Kenya Simbas are determined to improve on their previous performance. Last year, they finished fourth at the Africa Cup in Kampala. Now, their goal is to win the tournament and secure a spot in the Rugby World Cup.

Coach Paarwater expressed confidence, saying, “We are in a much better position this time. The South Africa experience will definitely make us stronger.”

The upcoming match against the UAE serves as the first major test for the team, offering players an opportunity to solidify their place. The subsequent tour of South Africa will provide invaluable experience against top-tier competition.

Rugby fans across Kenya are eagerly waiting to see if the Simbas can rise to the occasion and bring pride to the nation in Uganda. Through rigorous effort and strategic play, the team aims to overcome their rivals and achieve their World Cup dream.