Asati backs Simbas to tame Uganda in 2027 World Cup qualifier

KCB RFC star Samuel Asati is confident Kenya Simbas will down archrivals Uganda in their 2027 Rugby World Cup qualifier set for next week.

The utility back lauded the squad’s recent high-performance training camp in South Africa, where they featured in nine competitive matches against local teams over a month-long tour.

Asati, who returns to the squad alongside Thomas Okeyo, Jone Kubu, and John Okoth, believes the rigorous training under head coach Jerome Paarwater has significantly boosted the team’s morale and readiness.

“This has been one of the best training camps we've had in a long time. Playing matches every three to four days really helped us prepare, especially because that's the same format we’ll face in Uganda. That’s something we didn’t have in 2022, and I believe it gives us a real advantage this time,” noted Asati.

Head coach Paarwater has named a 28-man squad for the qualifiers, including four debutants: Vincent Mwikhali, Patrick Sabatia, David Bunduki, and Samuel Ovwamu, all eager to make their mark on the international stage.

Team manager Jimmy Mnene acknowledged the stiff challenge Uganda will pose, noting the Cranes' recent win over Limpopo Blue Bulls, a side Kenya also faced during their South African tour.

“Uganda will be at home and will definitely have the crowd behind them. We know we’re the underdogs, and that puts pressure on us, but in World Cup qualifiers, every game is a final. We must step up collectively, both from the management side and the playing unit,” said Mnene.

Kenya will open its campaign on Tuesday, July 8, in a knockout clash against Uganda at the Mandela National Stadium.

A win would set them up for a clash against either Zimbabwe or Morocco on Saturday, July 13, as Simbas seek to take a decisive step towards booking a place in the 2027 Rugby World Cup showdown.