The Kenya Simbas are gearing up for a high-stakes encounter against the Uganda Cranes in the first leg of this year’s Elgon Cup at the KRU grounds in Nairobi on Saturday.
With the return leg scheduled for Kampala the following weekend, this cross-border clash promises to reignite fierce rivalries.
In readiness for the duel, the Simbas have been hosted by the reigning league champions, Kabras Sugar, at the ASK Kakamega Showground for the past week.
With 70 per cent of the national squad drawn from Kabras, head coach Jerome Paarwater saw a natural advantage in training in the home of his core players. “We chose Kakamega because the bulk of the team is from here,” explained Paarwater.
“The environment here is ideal; great weather, excellent facilities and minimal distractions. It’s the perfect setting to focus fully on our game plan.”
Adding to their experience, the Simbas toured the West Kenya Sugar Company, producers of Kabras Sugar and sponsors of the training camp.
The players got a behind-the-scenes look at sugar production, an experience hosted by General Manager Manoj Sharma and Head of External Affairs George Muruli.
Former Simbas stars Edwin Achayo and Nick Barasa, now part of the company in the communication and electrical department, joined the players on the tour, offering words of encouragement and inspiration for life beyond the field. “This visit wasn’t just educational—it was also meant to inspire our players about life after rugby,” shared Muruli.
“At Kabras, we are committed to supporting players both on and off the field, through scholarships and career opportunities.”
The players were visibly moved, with Simbas hooker Griffin Musila noting the tour’s impact on their mindset.
“Seeing how each stage of production is handled with such precision resonated with us. It’s a lesson in paying attention to detail, which we hope to carry onto the field. Seeing how former players have transitioned also inspires us to think beyond the game,” Musila noted.
With final preparations wrapping up this week, the Simbas will head back to Nairobi on Thursday, reinforced by fresh players from the recently concluded Impala Floodlit tournament that was won by the Menengai Oilers.
