Paarwater impressed with Kenya Simbas show in South Africa

National rugby 15s side Kenya Simbas might have had a rough start to their 2023 Currie Cup Division One commitments in South Africa but ,newly-appointed head coach Jerome Paarwater has been left impressed with the team’s improvements one week after their late arrival in the country.

Due to a shortage of funds, the team missed their opening two games in the tournament and only, arrived a day before their third clash against San Clemente Rhinos where they put up a gallant performance in their 22-33 loss on Saturday 15 April.

Following that game, the team begun its real preparations under the guidance of Paarwater and his assistant head coach Carlos Katywa as the technical bench continued their assessment of the team since taking over just before the tourney.

"Thursday was the first time that the new boys experienced the Cape Town weather. It was rainy most part of the day with little sunny breaks. On the pitch, I am very satisfied with their improvement given the fact that we had two very tough attack and defense sessions.

In the morning, the team was divided into forwards and backs with each coach taking charge of the defense and attack drills and later in the afternoon session, they finished off with some game time structure focusing on exit plays," said Jerome.

With his major goal being to ensure that all players get on the same page when it comes to understanding the game play structure, the South African tactician further noted that some players who were struggling with their fitness have improved over the week as the sessions keep getting more demanding.

"The guys are eager to learn and it is evident in these training sessions as they have been pushing themselves to become better players. I am very satisfied with where we are and it can only get better," he added.

The team had a bye over weekend and will next face the Eastern Province Elephants in their next clash on 29 April 2023.

Simbas Currie Cup First Division Mzansi Challenge Full Fixtures

Simbas v Boland Kavaliers | City Park, Cape Town| 1 April| 4.00pm (Not Played) *

Leopards v Simbas | Olen Park, Potchefstroom | 8 April (Not Played) *

San Clemente Rhinos 33-22 Simbas | 15 April

Eastern Province v Simbas | Adcock Stadium, Gqeberha |29 April

Simbas v Border Bulldogs | City Park, Cape Town | 6 May

Windhoek Draught Welwitschias v Simbas | Hage Geingob Rugby Stadium, Windhoek | 13 May

Simbas v Zimbabwe Goshawks | RFUEA Ground, Nairobi |20 May

Simbas v Valke | RFUEA Ground, Nairobi | 27 May

Simbas v SWD Eagles | RFUEA Ground, Nairobi | 3 June