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Kenya Simbas assistant coach Carlos Katywa has explained why the coaching staff will not widen their scope of players ahead of the 2025 Rugby World Cup qualifiers.
Kenya Simbas assistant coach Carlos Katywa has clarified the team’s stance on maintaining a tight-knit squad as they gear up for the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup, which will serve as a qualifier for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Speaking after Kenya’s commanding 21-5 victory over Uganda Cranes in the second leg of the 2024 Elgon Cup in Kampala, Katywa emphasised the importance of consistency and continuity in the squad’s preparations.
The win in Kampala marked a decisive end to the two-legged Elgon Cup series, with the Simbas narrowly edging Uganda 27-25 in the first leg held in Nairobi.
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18:00 - 16.11.2024
Kenya Simbas obliterate Uganda Cranes in Kampala to clinch 2024 Elgon Cup
Kenya Simbas nonchallantly rolled over Uganda Cranes to clinch 2024 Elgon-Victoria Cup in Kampala.
Key performances, including converted tries by Ephraim Oduor, Eugene Sifuna, and rookie sensation Andy Cole Omollo—who was named man of the match—secured Kenya’s victory.
The team began their preparations in October, with head coach Jerome Paarwater assembling a 35-man squad, which included stalwarts like Jone Kubu. Paarwater retained most of the core squad while bringing in fresh talent such as Andy Cole Omollo, Hillary Mwanjilwa, Beldad Ogeta, and Teddy Akala to strengthen the team.
Katywa highlighted the challenges of incorporating new players into the setup, particularly given the limited timeframe before the qualifiers.
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19:02 - 18.11.2024
Kenya Simbas coach Katywa disatisfied despite side's domination of Uganda to clinch 2024 Elgon Cup
Katywa has revealed certain elements of the side's win over Uganda he did not like although Kenya Simbas smashed them 21-5 in Kampala to lift the trophy.
“We have quite a large group that we are looking into, but consistency and continuity are crucial. With just eight months to go, it’s vital that we maintain our focus and go guns blazing,” he stated.
He elaborated on the complexities of squad integration:
“It is very hard for us to start diluting because the work we have put in with these guys would mean it takes over three months to get the new guys coming in and understanding the setup. There is a lot of procedure that goes into preparing a squad, especially for the qualifiers that we are going into next year.”
While the Simbas remain committed to their core group, Katywa acknowledged the importance of evaluating fringe players through alternative avenues.
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11:11 - 13.11.2024
Take it or leave it: KRU to striking Shujaa players over contract standoff ahead of World Series return
Kenya Rugby Union is standing its ground over the contracts offered to Shujaa players as a number of senior players have boycotted training demanding for better terms ahead of the Dubai leg.
“We want to look at friendlies to assess our fringe players, get into some camps, and proceed with the guys we have. We do not want to open ourselves to ‘could haves’ or ‘should haves.’ We will stick to what we have and then proceed,” he added.
The decision underscores the team’s strategy of prioritising cohesion and preparedness over last-minute experiments, with Katywa confident that this approach will maximise their chances in the upcoming qualifiers.
With their sights set on a strong showing at the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup, the Kenya Simbas aim to build on their recent successes, leveraging the stability and experience within their squad as they prepare for the road ahead.
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