The Kenya Simbas will face the United Arab Emirates on May 24 in a key build-up match ahead of the Rugby World Cup qualifiers set for July in Uganda.
The match, scheduled for 3:00 pm at the RFUEA Grounds, will mark the second-ever meeting between the two sides. The Simbas won their first encounter 55-17 during the Emirates Nations Cup at The Sevens Stadium in Dubai back in December 2011.
Ranked 33rd in the latest World Rugby rankings, the Simbas will be favourites against the UAE, currently ranked 50th. Historically, the UAE — previously competing as the Arabian Gulf — faced Kenya in two earlier World Cup qualifiers. Kenya edged them 24-23 in 1994 and secured a 37-18 victory at the RFUEA Ground in 1997.
Currently training in Kakamega, the Simbas’ 50-man provisional squad has been in camp since Sunday. Head coach Jerome Paarwater is set to name a final 33-man squad this Sunday.
“It’s been a very competitive week, and the players are really pushing hard to earn their places. The competition has been healthy, and we’re impressed with the commitment,” said Paarwater.
The South African tactician expects a testing challenge from the UAE side.
“This match is a key opportunity to see where we stand. It will help us assess if our systems and strategies are taking shape. This is the first step in our journey toward World Cup qualification. We’ve come close before — I believe this could be our time.”
Following the UAE match, the trimmed squad will regroup on May 26 and depart for a high-performance tour of South Africa two days later.
The South African tour will unfold in two phases:
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Phase 1 (May 28 – June 22, Cape Town): In collaboration with Western Province, the Simbas will play weekend matches against Currie Cup sides and participate in midweek training sessions with local clubs and universities.
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Phase 2 (June 22 – 27, Nylstroom): The team will shift camp to Nylstroom, partnering with the Blue Bulls, where they will play against the Bulls’ Currie Cup teams in Tuesday and Thursday fixtures.
With the Rugby World Cup qualifiers fast approaching, the Simbas are looking to sharpen their edge and finally break through for a long-awaited World Cup appearance.
