This archive report was first published on 1 August 2019.
Simbas, the reigning Elgon Cup champions, are set to face off against Zimbabwe in the Victoria Cup this weekend in Harare, Zimbabwe. The team's coach, Paul Odera, is confident that they will emerge victorious, following their impressive 43-23 win against Zambia in their first match of the tourney last weekend in Kitwe, Zambia.
According to Odera, Simbas need to improve their line speed and width on defense to outshine their opponents. He also confirmed that utility back Isaac Njoroge will be sidelined due to a head injury sustained in their previous game, but the rest of the team is available to play.
“Isaac Njoroge has failed his SCAT scan for a head injury sustained last weekend and he will not feature in the Saturday's match but everyone else is available to play,” Odera said in an exclusive interview with Citizen Digital from Bulawayo.
Simbas last met Zimbabwe in a Rugby Africa Gold Cup match played at the RFUEA ground, Nairobi on June 30th last year, where Kenya won 45-36. However, Odera believes that Zimbabwe will be a different team this year, with quick and evasive backs and a more expansive playing style.
Zimbabwe has been performing well in the tournament, having won their first match 39-15 against Zambia and 31-26 against Uganda last weekend. The team won the Victoria Cup in 2011.
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