Kenya Simbas gear up for Elgon Cup with unique camp at Kabras Sugar

Kenya Simbas head coach Jerome Paarwater (right) and Nick Baraza during the national team tour at West Sugar Factory. [Washington Onyango,Standard]

As the Kenya Simbas prepare to face Uganda in the Elgon Cup showdown set for this Saturday in Kampala, the team has been deep in training at the Kakamega Forest grounds.

Hosted by Kenya Cup champions Kabras Sugar, the national rugby 15s squad is not only honing their on-field skills but also gaining insights into life after rugby, courtesy of the hosting company.

The Simbas, comprising 70 percent of players from Kabras, have found both familiarity and inspiration in the area as they gear up for one of East Africa’s most anticipated rugby clashes.

Nick Baraza (right) explains to Kenya Simbas the oparations at West Sugar. [Washington Onyango,Standard]

Kenya Simbas coach Jerome Paarwater emphasized the importance of camping in Kakamega, noting that the surroundings provide a blend of focus, familiarity, and inspiration for the majority of his squad. “Coming together in Kakamega was crucial for us,” Paarwater said.

“Given the limited time we have, it was essential to establish a base where the players could train intensively, build on their chemistry, and work on our strategy without the usual disruptions.”

With limited preparation time, the Kakamega camp has allowed the team to zero in on their game plan. Paarwater added that the focus has been on rectifying errors from previous matches while strengthening cohesion among players.

The Simbas plan to play a disciplined, physical game against Uganda, emphasizing structured defense and rapid transitions into attack to disrupt their opponents’ play and capitalize on any scoring opportunities.

Kabras Sugar, a mainstay in Kenyan rugby, sees hosting the national team as a point of pride, said team manager Edwin Achayo. “It’s a privilege for us to host the Kenya Simbas here at Kabras,” Achayo commented.

“We’re proud to support the national team and offer them a training environment that feels like home to many of these players.”

Kenya Simbas players during the tour of West Sugar. [Washington Onyango,Standard]

In addition to training, the Kabras Sugar team wanted the Simbas players to learn about life beyond rugby, a commitment that has led to a unique aspect of the camp experience: a tour of West Sugar Company.

Achayo highlighted that showing players the inner workings of the company was part of Kabras Sugar’s commitment to help athletes think about their futures.

“Life after rugby is something we take seriously, and we wanted the players to see first-hand what goes into running a large operation like this. Meeting with someone like Engineer Nick Baraza, who once represented Kenya Simbas and worked with Kabras, is a reminder of the importance of career planning beyond the playing field.”

Kenya Simbas star Griffins Musila (left) during tour of West Sugar. [Washington Onyango,Standard]

Griffin Musila, a current Kenya Simbas player who also represents KCB in the Kenya Cup, found the tour particularly enlightening. “The tour of West Sugar was an eye-opener for us,” Musila shared.

“Learning about the entire process of sugar production, from the farmer’s role to the intricate work in the factory, made us appreciate the importance of every single role in a large operation like this. It’s a lesson we can apply on the rugby field, too—understanding that each player, each role, is crucial to our success as a team.”

Kenya Simbas players during the tour of West Sugar. [Washington Onyango,Standard]

Baraza’s story, moving from the rugby field to an engineering career with Kabras, resonated strongly with the Simbas players, many of whom are in the early stages of contemplating their futures.

“Interacting with Nick Baraza showed us that there’s a lot we can achieve after rugby,” said Achayo. “We want our players to start thinking beyond the field, about how they can build careers and make contributions in other areas.”

As the Simbas prepare to take on Uganda, they carry both the support of their Kakamega base and fresh perspectives on the importance of teamwork and post-rugby career planning.

Their focus remains squarely on lifting the Elgon Cup, a feat that will demand every player’s best effort and complete unity on the field.

Kenya Simbas players during the tour of West Sugar. [Washington Onyango,Standard]

As they head to Kampala, the Kenya Simbas are bringing with them not only sharpened skills but also a deeper appreciation for the roles each of them play in pursuit of their common goal.

The Kakamega camp has given the Simbas the physical edge they need and a valuable reminder of what it takes to be part of a team—whether on the rugby field or in life’s broader game.