Simbas reveal how Rugby World Cup qualifier donations were used

With close to Ksh 1 million raised for their Rugby World Cup qualifiers, Kenyan Simbas head coach Paul Odera has revealed a breakdown of how the donations were used.

Kenya were on the brink of missing out of the Rugby Africa Cup which doubled up as the Rugby World Cup qualifiers after the government delayed the release of funds to facilitate the trip.

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Odera took to his social media handles back in June to ask Kenyans to donate Ksh 1 million in order for Simbas to make it to France where the tournament was taking place.

“Kenya Simbas Head coach Appeal (10,000 for 1,000). Thank you to all those who have given so far. I appeal to ten thousand Kenyans and supporters to give 1,000 kshs, 9$, 8 €, 7£ to get the Simbas over the line. The boys need you!!” read a post from Odera.

According to Odera, Kenyans and the rugby fraternity across the globe raised a total of Ksh 933,196 with Ksh 39,661 being deducted from the amount as the extension fee leaving Ksh 893,535 as the balance.

Kenya played a total of three matches in the Africa Cup as they opened their campaign with a 42-7 win over the noisy neighbours Uganda which followed with a scrappy 36-33 win over Algeria.

Simbas failed to turn up in the final against Namibia following a 36-0 walloping as the Southern Africa nation sealed a place to the World Cup.

Odera noted that a total of Ksh460,000 was used on allowances in two matches though the said matches were not revealed while wins against Uganda and Algeria led to the spending of Ksh 433,535 in win bonuses.

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Simbas used 100% of the donated funds on allowances and bonuses after they secured a Ksh 10m sponsorship from Teita Sisal Estates through The Hildana Lodge days before leaving for France.

Kenya still stand a chance of qualifying for the Rugby World Cup through the Repecharge where they will face the USA, Hong Kong and Portugal from 6-18 November, 2022.