Sensational Jone Kubu lauds Barry Robinson's performance at Elgon Cup

Kenya 15s national team; Simbas' playmaker Jone Kubu has showered praises on his teammate Barry Robinson for his outstanding performance in the Elgon Cup that went down on Saturday 11 November at the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Mamboleo, Kisumu.

Kubu and Barry both play their club rugby for Kabras RFC and have been gelling during the club's training sessions. Head Coach Jerome Paarwaters made the strategic decision to start Kubu at fly-half, uniting him with Barry in the scrum-half position. The sensational halfback took it to social media to sing the praises of Barry.

"First time playing together as Generals in the national Colors and also my first Elgon Cup. Hats off to Nyang for standing up to the challenge #MyMVP,” he posted.

It was a sweet revenge as the Simbas saw off their arch-rivals Uganda Cranes 20-13 in the brutally physical affair. The win saw Kenya Simbas claim the 14th Elgon Cup, as well as bounce back from their narrow 21-20 defeat to the Cranes. The morale of the Kenyans was also boosted by the large turnout of fans who cheered them along.

The Cranes on the other hand were bolstered by their win against the Simbas and were keen to amass as many points as possible in an away land.

The Simbas managed their hard-earned points through Kubu who scored two penalties and a converted try. Elkeans Musonye also added his name to the scoresheet with a five-pointer.

Kubu kickstarted his November with all smiles after winning the Man of The Match (MoTM) award in their Victoria Cup opener against Zambia played at the Kyadondo Stadium in Kampala. The Simbas started their campaign on a high with a 36-12 victory.

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He is an old hand with Kenya Cup defending champions Kabras RFC as well as a vintage player for Kenya Simbas. He won the Man of The Match award in Uganda following Simbas' 36-12 victory over Zambia in the Victoria Cup opening match. That marked his second MoTM award in Uganda after his 2021 masterclass performance that earned him 18 points.

The match was curtain raised with the final of the Lake Victoria 15s preseason tournament where Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) Rugby stunned Kenya Cup defending champions Kabras RFC 14-13. Kenya Lionesses also matched the anticipation by heaping an 87-3 misery on Uganda Lady Cranes. They set the mood for their brothers to win.

KENYA SIMBAS SQUAD

15.Brian Wahinya, 14. Joel Inzuga, 13. Bryceson Adaka, 12. Paul Mutsami, 11. Derrick Ashiundu, 10. Jone Kubu, 9. Barry Young, 1. Ephraim Oduor, 2. Eugene Sifuna, 3. Hillary Mwanjilwa, 4. Hibrahim Ayoo, 5. Hillary Odhiambo, 6. George Nyambua (Captain), 7. Elkeans Musonye, 8. Jeanson Misoga

REPLACEMENTS 16. Teddy Akala, 17. Thomas Okidia, 18. Wilhite Mususi, 19. Brian Ndirangu, 20. Peter Waitere, 21. Dan Ang’wech, 22. Shem Okola (debut), 23. Andrew Matoka