Kenya Simbas receive 1.5million sponsorship boon ahead of Repechage opener against USA

The men’s national 15s rugby team, Kenya Simbas, has received a timely financial boost of Ksh 1.5 million from its partner and main sponsor the Hildana Lodge ahead of the Rugby World Cup 2023 Final Qualification Tournament (The Repechage) set to start Sunday evening with a game against the USA in Dubai.

The game which will be played at the Sevens Stadium is the first of three crucial games which will see four teams – Kenya, USA, Portugal, and Hong Kong - battling to grab the single remaining ticket to the prestigious tournament set to take place in France in 2023.

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Philip Kyriazi, Teita Sisal Managing Director expressed the company's pride and delight in continuing to support the Simbas after their ten million sponsorship to the team before the 2022 Rugby Africa Cup where Kenya missed out on direct qualification having lost to Namibia in the final.

“On behalf of Teita Sisal Estate and the Hildana Lodge, we are delighted to continue the investment in the sport of rugby in the country. Ours is not just an investment, it is a commitment to society through transforming and developing the sport of rugby in Kenya.

The future of the game has to be promoted to ensure consistency in performance/growth of the game to taking the team to the Rugby World Cup in 2023," he said.

Commenting on the additional investment by the Hildana Lodge, Oduor Gangla, Kenya Rugby Union Chairman said, “On behalf of the Kenya Rugby Union Board, the Simbas, and the wider rugby fraternity, I wish to extend our sincere gratitude to Mr. Philip Kyriazi and the Hildana Lodge for their continued support of and investment in the Simbas.

This continued investment by Hildana Lodge is a clear demonstration of the passion, pride and belief of the Hildana Lodge team in the Simbas team which continues to bring honour and pride to our nation with their exemplary performances.

This support will go a long way in boosting the morale of the men as they begin the Final Qualification Tournament."

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The Kenya Simbas squad facing the USA on Sunday 6th November

1. Patrick Ouko 2. Eugene Sifuna 3. Ephraim Oduor 4. Malcolm Onsando 5. Thomas Okeyo 6. George Nyambua 7. Daniel Sikuta 8. Bethwel Anami 9. Samuel Asati 10. Geoffrey Ominde 11. Jacob Ojee 12. John Okoth 13. Bryceson Adaka 14. Geoffrey Okwach 15. Darwin Mukidza

RESERVES: 16. Teddy Akala, 17. Andrew Siminyu, 18. Joseph Odero, 19. Brian Juma, 20. Martin Owillah, 21. Brian Tanga, 22. Timothy Omela, 23. Joshua Weru