Jerome Paarwater’s motivation that led Patrick Sabatia to maiden Kenya Simbas call-up
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Reading Time: 4min | Thu. 03.07.25. | 14:39
It was that opportunity that Sabatia seized, diligently playing for the team and leading them to victory
On Tuesday, 8 July, fast-rising Kabras RFC backrower Patrick Sabatia will step onto the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Kampala, Uganda, for his Kenya Simbas debut.
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For the talented loose forward, this will be a realisation of his boyhood dream sparked to life thanks to a few encouraging words from Kenya Simbas head coach Jerome Paarwater.
This is the first time Sabatia is representing the national men's rugby 15s team, having made his debut for Kenya Morans during the 2024 Safari Sevens, where he helped them clinch bronze after defeating Zimbabwe 26-5.
Before his Safari Sevens call-up, Sabatia, affectionately known as ‘Field Gun’ for his exploits on the pitch, was a key player during the 2024 National Sevens Circuit when Kabras settled for second place with 105 points.
Notably, he rose to the occasion when Kabras RFC won the Christie 7s despite the absence of key players who were out on national duty with Kenya Sevens and Simbas.
Kevin Wekesa, Brian Tanga, and Lameck Ambetsa were out with the Shujaa in Paris for the Olympics, while the likes of speedster Derrick Ashiundu, Alfred Orege, Walter Okoth, and Barry Robinson were with the Simbas in Uganda for the Rugby Africa Cup.
It was that opportunity that Sabatia seized, diligently playing for the team and leading them to victory.
His impressive form continued during the 2024/25 Kenya Cup season, where he helped the Sugarmen retain their Kenya Cup and Enterprise Cup titles. He was the player of the final as Kabras by the barest of margins beat Menengai Oilers 27-26 to clinch their fourth consecutive Kenya Cup title.
That performance saw Paarwater draft him into the team that went to South Africa for a one-month camp. He impressed in South Africa and is now with the Simbas in Kampala for the Rugby Africa Cup.
In an exclusive interview with Mozzart Sport, the talented backrower noted that Paarwater and Kabras RFC tactician Carlos Katywa have been instrumental in his growth.
“The coach told me to focus more on my strengths and maximise them. I also cannot forget coach Carlos, he has been instrumental in my growth,” he said.
When his name appeared in the travelling squad, Sabatia admits that he could not contain his happiness. It was that moment that he realised that his hard work was finally beginning to pay off.
“I was super excited; I can’t even lie. It honestly felt like a dream come true. I’ve been focusing on building my mental resilience and learning not to give up, no matter what challenges come my way,” Sabatia said.
With his name already in the squad that is set for the continental showpiece, Sabatia has set lofty goals. He aims to help the team book a place in the 2027 Rugby World Cup. He understands what it takes to emerge victorious in Uganda.
“Winning is the main goal. And to achieve that, we need a lot of unity and teamwork—we all have to push in the same direction to qualify. My main target is to help the team qualify for the 2027 Rugby World Cup,” he disclosed.
Despite being one of the newer faces in the Simbas squad, Sabatia says the integration has been smooth and inspiring. The other faces are Menengai Oilers' midfielder Samuel Ovwamu, David Bunduki, who plays for Griffons in South Africa, and Vincent Mwikali of Oilers.
“The bond was there from the start, even though it was a bit challenging at first to catch up with their level. But overall, it’s been a great experience and good exposure. You’re constantly learning from them and trying to improve yourself,” he concluded.
Sabatia began his rugby journey at Koyonzo Boys High School, a breeding ground for some of Kenya’s top talent. He joined Kabras RFC in 2019 and made his debut in 2021 against Blak Blad, a moment that marked the beginning of a promising professional career.
As he dons the national colours in Uganda, Sabatia remains focused yet grounded.
“I honestly can’t say for sure, but what I do know is that this is just the beginning, and I’ll be in the limelight,” he concluded.
They will open their campaign on Tuesday, 8 July, in a knockout clash against Uganda.
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