Odera praises Kenya Simbas resilience in South Africa’s Stellenbosch Challenge
Rugby
By
Washington Onyango
| Nov 22, 2021
Kenya Simbas head coach Paul Odera has paid tribute to his charges after Saturday’s 36-30 victory over Brazil in the Stellenbosch Challenge.
Odera’s side trailed Brazil four times during the fixture, eventually hanging on the claim the victory in a tournament that saw Namibia crush Zimbabwe 41-10 to finish in first place.
“When we led 22-16 at half time against Brazil, I feared a repeat of last week’s clash against Namibia where we did so well in the first half before falling away in the second half. You have to give credit to the players this time round, they stuck right through it,” said the head coach.
“This is a fantastic win for us. We are still smiling and I think the whole country is as well. It was a good game. Test rugby is about fine margins and credit to Brazil because they fought all the way till the end.”
The victory was the Simbas third successive win against Brazil.
READ MORE
Lack of resources slows progress on SDGs, says official
Software startup celebrates innovation in beverage sales automation
The economic truths State will not admit amid inflation storm
Boit, Misoi on a mission to help Kenya regain steeplechase grip
Kitengela Three freed after 30 days' ordeal in captivity
300 killed in a year of banditry attacks - report
Irony of killing manufacturing sector only to export farm labour to the UK
Paris 2024: Why Kenya's steeplechase future lies in 'Small Faith'
Paris 2024: Kibiwott knows that things will look up soon
Paris 2024: El Bakkali retains Olympic steeplechase title as Girma suffers worrying fall
Simbas beat Brazil 27-25 and 18-17 in the test matches played in 2011 and 2016.
Simbas won bronze in the Stellenbosch Challenge third place playoffs match afte defeating Brazil at Markotter Stadium in South Africa.
Kabras Sugar’s star fly-half Jone Kubu scored 21 points in the win which handed head coach Paul Odera his first victory of the South Africa tour.
The Fijian-born utility back scored two tries, four conversions and a penalty as Samwel Asati, Vincent Onyala and John Okoth also crossed over the white wash in the win.