Rugby fans react to Kenya Simbas performance in 2025 Rugby Africa Cup
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Reading Time: 3min | Tue. 22.07.25. | 12:30
Reports claim that Simbas' technical bench, led by head coach Paarwater, has not received salaries and depend solely on allowances, some of which date as far back as November 2023
Kenya Simbas’ ambitions of wrapping up the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup on a high ended in heartbreak following a disappointing 15-5 defeat to Algeria in the third-place playoff on Saturday, 19 July, at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Kampala, Uganda.
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Despite improved preparations and sponsorship support heading into the tournament, the Simbas failed to meet expectations, sparking frustration among fans who had hoped for a strong finish from the Jerome Paarwater-coached side.
This year, the Simbas camped in South Africa for a month, an unprecedented preparation step compared to previous editions. The team also enjoyed backing from sponsors, a development that had sparked optimism within the rugby fraternity.
Their campaign started brightly, defeating arch-rivals Uganda 32-24 in a thrilling quarterfinal encounter. However, they were edged out 29-23 in the semifinals by a revitalized Zimbabwe Sables side in a match that many felt was within Kenya’s reach.
The loss relegated the Simbas to the bronze playoff against Algeria, a repeat of last year’s fixture where the North Africans also triumphed.
Saturday’s clash mirrored the disappointment of 2024. The Simbas looked uninspired for large spells of the game, once again failing to break down Algeria’s structured defense. The North Africans dominated the opening half, and although they only managed three points after the break, Kenya could not mount a serious comeback.
The result triggered widespread backlash from fans and stakeholders, with many pointing fingers at the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) leadership for what they described as systemic failure.
“Dear Kenyans, you must join calls for the entire overhaul of the KRU. The Kenya Rugby Union has had the same leadership faces spanning decades who have turned the entity into a private business affair, oblivious of the underwhelming performances by the Kenya national teams,” tweeted fan and journalist Chris Sambu.
Andrew Matoke echoed similar sentiments.
“And you still expect Kenya Simbas to qualify for the Rugby World Cup? The KRU board must be disbanded. How can they all be in Uganda while the technical bench is not being paid?” he posed.
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Reports by Scrummage Africa claim that Simbas' technical bench, led by head coach Paarwater, have not received salaries and depend solely on allowances, some of which date as far back as November 2023. This revelation has further stoked anger among supporters.
Some fans lamented Kenya’s regression in the past seven years.
“Seven years ago, Kenya Simbas beat Zimbabwe 45-36 and 61-15. In 2025, Zimbabwe beat us to get to the final, then went on to beat Namibia to qualify for the 2027 Rugby World Cup. You can see what happened in the seven years between the two teams,” Sin Bin Rugby noted.
The frustration was also felt on a personal level.
“Nimeshindwa ata kulala baaaana (I cannot sleep). Even if World Rugby says only the top three will proceed to the World Cup, we will still not qualify. It is that bad,” tweeted fan Marseizy.
In the wake of the defeat, there have been renewed calls for long-term planning and accountability in Kenyan rugby.
“A plan... is everything. Another cycle begins. There has to be a very deliberate plan,” said. Odhiambo Wambura.
Kenya’s failure to secure third place means the dream of qualifying for the 2027 Rugby World Cup becomes even more distant. With Namibia and Zimbabwe showing signs of growth, the pressure is now on Kenya to rebuild, not just the team, but also the governance of the sport.
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