This archive report was first published on 16 July 2019.
Kenya Rugby 15s, the Simbas, have secured the Elgon Cup after a thrilling 16-5 win over Uganda in Kampala, Uganda, on the weekend.
Having lost the first leg 16-13 to Uganda in Kisumu in June, the Simbas bounced back with a convincing 16-5 victory in Kampala, securing the Elgon Cup on a 29-21 aggregate score.
Director of Rugby at Kenya Rugby Union Thomas Odundo attributed the team's success to the players' effort, efficiency, and reduced errors compared to the first leg.
He praised the performance of experienced players Andrew Amonde and KCB skipper Jacob Ojee, who scored 11 points out of the 16 scored in the match.
Although the win earned the Simbas 1.2 points, they remain in 32nd place in the World Rugby rankings, with less than a point separating them from Korea, their closest rival.
Odundo expressed optimism that playing stronger opponents will help improve their rankings.
On their return to Nairobi from Uganda, Odundo announced that the team will issue a comprehensive statement on their participation in the upcoming Victoria Cup.
However, he clarified that the decision to participate in the Victoria Cup is still pending, awaiting directions from the executive.
The Victoria Cup revival comes after the cancellation of the Rugby Africa Gold Cup this year due to lack of sponsorship.
Kenya's Paul Odera charges are scheduled to face Zimbabwe this Saturday at the Harare Sports Club, with other teams in the Victoria Cup including Uganda and Zambia.
