- The Kenya Simbas will face Zimbabwe in the Rugby Africa Cup 2025 semifinals on Sunday, July 13.
- The match is set to kick off at 4:00 PM EAT at Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Uganda.
- The winner of this clash will be just one victory away from securing direct qualification for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
The men’s national rugby 15s side, the Kenya Simbas, stand just two games away from making history by securing their first-ever Rugby World Cup berth.
To achieve this, Jerome Paarwater’s charges must overcome Zimbabwe on Sunday, July 13, in the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup semifinal, set for 4:00 PM EAT at the Mandela National Stadium in Uganda.
The Simbas approach this clash on the back of a commanding 32-24 win over rivals Uganda Rugby Cranes in the quarterfinals, a triumph that reignited hopes of a maiden World Cup appearance.
Now, Kenya seeks redemption against defending champions Zimbabwe, who crushed their dreams in the 2015 qualifiers, defeating them 27-10 in the Africa Cup Division 1A tournament in Madagascar, forcing the Simbas to settle for third place.
The Simbas also came agonizingly close in 2022, reaching the Rugby Africa Cup final, only to fall to Namibia and miss out on a direct qualification to the 2023 World Cup in France, a bitter defeat they are eager to atone for.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe, two-time World Cup participants, are on a mission to end their 34-year absence from the global stage, having last appeared in the tournament in 1991.
They began their 2025 campaign in emphatic style, routing Morocco 43-8 in their quarterfinal match thanks to their dominant second half.
ALSO READ: RAC 25: Kenya Simbas make one change ahead of semis showdown against Zimbabwe
What’s at Stake?
The victor of the Kenya vs Zimbabwe semifinal will advance to the final, where they will face either Algeria or Namibia.
Even the runner-up, however, remains in contention via the Asia/Africa playoff, where they willl battle United Arab Emirates, the second-place team from the 2025 Asia Rugby Championship.
The winner of that playoff will progress to the Final Qualification Tournament, keeping their Rugby World Cup 2027 dreams alive. The tournament is scheduled for November 8–18 in Dubai.
With such high stakes, both teams are expected to deliver a gripping, fiercely contested showdown as they chase their place in rugby history.
Mental toughness key – Paarwater
Speaking after the quarterfinal victory, Kenya head coach Jerome Paarwater cautioned his side against tactical errors that could allow Zimbabwe to seize control.
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.
He emphasized that mental strength would be the decisive factor in the semifinal clash.
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.
Zimbabwe Captian confident but Cautious
On the opposing side, Zimbabwe captain Hilton Mudariki acknowledged Kenya’s athleticism but expressed confidence in his squad’s readiness.
Kenya is a quality team, and having faced them over the past few years, we know they have amazing athletes all over the field. But for us, we have been working hard on executing our game plan, and if we tick the boxes we have been focusing on, we believe we can stand out in this game,” Mudariki affirmed.
Team News: Kenya Simbas make one change; Zimbabwe retain core
Kenya head coach Paarwater has made just one alteration to his starting XV. Derrick Ashiundu of Kabras Sugar RFC comes in for Timothy Omela of Menengai Oilers, taking position on the right wing.
Zimbabwe’s head coach Ricky Chirengende has also announced a strong lineup, retaining key players including star flyhalf Ian Prior, the tournament’s leading scorer with 23 points (5 penalties, 4 conversions) in the win over Morocco.
Kenya Simbas – Starting XV (Rugby Africa Cup 2025 Semifinal)
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 Players
Teddy Akala, Edward Mwaura, Vincent Mwikhali, Hibrahim Ayoo, David Bunduki, Obat Kuke, Brian Tanga, John Okoth
Zimbabwe – Starting XV
Victor Mpunga, Simba Mandioma, Cleophas Kundiona, Kudakwashe Nyakufaringwa, Simba Siraha, Tinotenda Mavesre, Godfrey Muzanargwo, Jason Fraser, Hilton Mudariki (C), Ian Prior, Edward Sigauke, Kudzai Mushawi, Brandon Mudzekenyedzi, Matthew McNab, Tapiwa Mafura
Replacements
Liam Larkan, Tyran Fagan, Bornwell Gwinji, Arden Burnet, Dylan Itete, Keegan Joubert, Dion Khumalo, Bruce Houston
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