The men’s national rugby 15 side, Kenya Simbas, has made one change to their squad ahead of their semifinal showdown against Zimbabwe in the Rugby Africa Cup 2025 taking place on Sunday at the Mandela Stadium in Kampala, Uganda.
The change sees Derrick Ashiundu from Kabras Sugar RFC, who was not in the squad in the opening clash against Uganda, coming in for Menengai Oilers’ Timothy Omela in the right wing.
While Omela drops out entirely from the matchday squad, head coach Jerome Paarwater has opted for consistency as the rest of the team remains intact with Vincent Mwikhali and David Bunduki in line for their debuts after being named on the bench.
The experienced trio of Ephraim Oduor, Eugene Sifuna and Wilhite Mususi maintain their places in the front row while captain George Nyambua and fast-rising 21-year-old Andycole Omollo, who bagged the man of the match award in the quarterfinal against Uganda, combine in the engine room.
After making his debut on Tuesday, Patrick Sabatia gets his second test cap and will team with Thomas Okeyo in the flanks with Bethuel Anami starting at number 8.
In the half-back positions, the experienced Samuel Asati will maintain his scrumhalf position alongside Barry Young who had an 11-point return in the fly-half role against Uganda.
Griffin Chao, who scored two tries, continues on the left wing with Walter Okoth and his Kabras teammate Bryceson Adaka entrusted with the midfield positions as Jone Kubu is maintained as the fullback.
The game is a must-win for the Kenya Simbas if they are to maintain hopes of qualifying for a first-ever Rugby World Cup tourney.
The match kicks off at 1600EAT.
Kenya Simbas Starting XV
- Ephraim Oduor
- Eugene Sifuna
- Wilhite Mususi
- George Nyambua (C)
- Andycole Omolo
- Thomas Okeyo
- Patrick Sabatia
- Bethuel Anami
- Samuel Asati
- Barry Young
- Griffin Chao
- Walter Okoth
- Bryceson Adaka
- Derrick Ashiundu
- Jone Kubu
IMPACT
- Teddy Akala
- Edward Mwaura
- Vincent Mwikhali*
- Hibrahim Ayoo
- David Bunduki*
- Obat Kuke
- Brian Tanga
- John Okoth
TECHNICAL TEAM
- Jerome Paarwater – Head Coach
- Qondani Katywa – Assistant Coach
- Jimmy Imnene – Team Manager
- Stephen Mankone – Head Physio
- Dr. Suji Amwayi – Team Doctor
- Gerald Omondi – Physio
- Joseph Guchu – Assistant TM
Rugby Africa Cup 2025 quarter finals results (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
Upcoming events: Semifinals (13 July)
Namibia vs Algeria (2PM EAT)
Zimbabwe vs Kenya (4PM EAT)
Final (19 July)
Winner SF 1 vs Winner SF 2