Massive changes as Paarwater names revamped Kenya Simbas squad for Algeria playoff
Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 18.07.25. | 12:18
The team began their campaign on a promising note, edging arch-rivals Uganda 32-24 in the quarterfinal
Kenya Simbas head coach Jerome Paarwater has rung the changes ahead of their Rugby Africa Cup third-place playoff clash against Algeria, slated for Saturday, 19 July at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Kampala, Uganda.
The match kicks off at noon.
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Following their narrow 29-23 semifinal defeat to Zimbabwe on Sunday, 13 July, Paarwater has opted to rotate his squad, handing starting opportunities to several players who have had limited minutes in the tournament.
The match presents a final chance for the Simbas to end their campaign on a high, while also avenging last season’s 20-12 semifinal loss to Algeria.
Among the notable inclusions is centre Samuel Ovwamu, who is set to make his long-awaited Kenya Simbas debut. He will line up alongside John Okoth in midfield. Brian Tanga returns to the starting lineup at scrum-half, partnering with Brian Wahinya at fly-half.
The back three will feature Derrick Ashihundu, Timothy Omela, and Jone Kubu, with Ashihundu and Kubu being the only two retained from the starting lineup that faced Zimbabwe.
In the forwards, the back row features David Bunduki, Elkeans Musonye, and Obat Kuke. Ibrahim Ayoo and Emmanuel Silungi form the second-row pairing.
The front row sees Vincent Mwikhali earn his first-ever start for the Simbas, alongside Teddy Akala and Edward Mwaura.
Kenya began their campaign on a promising note, edging arch-rivals Uganda 32-24 in the quarterfinal.
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However, their hopes of qualifying for their first-ever Rugby World Cup were dashed following the semifinal loss to Zimbabwe, a result that also denied them a chance to face Namibia in the finals.
Saturday’s match will not only determine the third-best side in Africa but also offer the Simbas a shot at redemption against a familiar foe.
