In Kampala, Uganda
The Kenya Simbas head coach, Jerome Paarwater, has issued a stern warning to the men’s national rugby 15s side ahead of their Rugby Africa Cup 2025 semifinal clash against Zimbabwe slated for Sunday, 13 July at the Mandela Stadium in Kampala, Uganda.
Kenya Simbas booked their place in the last four of the tournament serving as the African qualifier to the Rugby World Cup 2027 after silencing hosts Uganda 24-32 in the quarterfinal stage.
Zimbabwe on their part overcame a slow start in winning 43-8 against Morocco to set up the clash.
Speaking after the quarterfinals, Paarwater warned his Kenyan side not to make the simple mistake of playing the game into the hands of Zimbabwe, who possess the capabilities to finish them when given an easy chance.
“We know they are a quality side and that we cannot afford to give a lot of penalties because their kicker does not miss any kick,” Paarwater warned.
The South African tactician revealed this on the back of Zimbabwe’s flyhalf Ian Prior amassing 23 of the 43 points Zimbabwe got against Morocco (5 penalties, 4 conversions).
With Zimbabwe being the defending champions, Paarwater also called on his side to fortify their mentality ahead of the game that he revealed would be won not so much by hard work but the little things surrounding the encounter.
“It (match against Zimbabwe) is a mental game now. There is not much you can do apart from analyzing their strong points and working on ours and how we manage the game.
It is also going to be a tough game which can go down to the last minute,” Paarwater told SportPesa Blog.
“The message to the boys will be the first one is done and we do not get ahead of ourselves. We just have to keep the concentration up because I cannot say we are going to work hard in the next game. All the preparation the work was already done in South Africa,” he said.
Kenya Simbas Travelling Squad to Uganda
Ephraim Oduor – Kabras Sugar RFC
Edward Mwaura – Kabras Sugar RFC
Eugene Sifuna – Kabras Sugar RFC
Teddy Akala – Kabras Sugar RFC
Wilhite Mususi – KCB RFC
Vincent Mwikhali – Menengai Oilers RFC *
Hibrahim Ayoo – Menengai Oilers RFC
Andycole Omolo – KCB RFC
Emanuel Silungi – KCB RFC
George Nyambua – Kabras Sugar RFC
Patrick Sabatia – Kabras Sugar RFC *
Bethuel Anami – MLSGP 78
Elkeans Musonye – Menengai Oilers RFC
Obat Kuke – Blak Blad RFC
Samuel Asati – KCB RFC
Brian Tanga – Kabras Sugar RFC
Barry Young – Kabras Sugar RFC
Brian Wahinya – KCB RFC
Griffin Chao – Kabras Sugar RFC
Walter Okoth – Kabras Sugar RFC
Samuel Ovwamu – Menengai Oilers RFC *
Bryceson Adaka – Kabras Sugar RFC
John Okoth – Menengai Oilers RFC
Timothy Omela – Menengai Oilers RFC
Derrick Ashihundu – Kabras Sugar RFC
David Bunduki – Griffons RFC *
Thomas Okeyo – Griffons RFC
Jone Kubu – Kabras Sugar RFC
Play here and stand a chance of winning the over 10 million SportPesa Midweek Jackpot
AFRICA – 1 TEAM
The Rugby Africa Men’s Cup 2025 champions will qualify directly for the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027. The runner-up will progress to the Asia/Africa Play-off.
Nations involved: Algeria, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Namibia, Senegal, Uganda, Zimbabwe and Morocco.
ALSO READ: How Kenya 7s can regain top-tier status following format change by World Rugby
Rugby Africa Cup 2025 quarter finals (8 July)
QF 1: Zimbabwe 43-8 Morocco
QF 2: Algeria 41-6 Cote d’Ivoire
QF 3: Namibia 55-17 Senegal
QF 4: Kenya 32-24 Uganda
Semifinals (13 July)
Namibia vs Algeria (2PM EAT)
Zimbabwe vs Kenya (4PM EAT)
Final (19 July)
Winner SF 1 vs Winner SF 2