Kenya and Uganda renew rivalry in Victoria Cup decider

The 2023 Victoria Cup reaches its climax with a showdown that every East African rugby enthusiast could only dream of.

The host nation, Uganda, will square off against their eternal rivals Kenya in the championship decider at the King’s Park Arena in Bweyogerere, Kampala on Sunday 5 November 2023, at 4:00 PM.

Kenya, the inaugural champions in 2010, currently lead the standings with 5 points after opening their campaign with a 36-12 victory over Zambia at the Kyadondo Rugby Club on November 1.

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With a +24 points difference, they are determined to avoid defeat against Uganda to end a 13-year title drought.

Uganda also secured a bonus point win over Zambia, defeating them 30-8 in the tournament’s opening match last weekend with the victory earning them 5 points with a +22 points difference.

They eagerly anticipate facing their fierce rivals in this match, which also marks the start of the Elgon Cup. They will rely on the leadership and experience of Ivan Magomu and Micheal Woorach, as well as the enthusiastic crowd in Bweyogerere, to clinch a victory.

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Kenya’s Simbas have the influential fullback Jone Kubu and captain George Nyambua to lead their charge in Kampala in what promises to be an electrifying contest. Fly half Brian Wahinya is also expected to play a pivotal role for the team.

Speaking before Sunday’s clash, Simbas Assistant Coach Curtis Aluoch stated, “Our matches against Uganda have always been intense derbies, and the fans can’t afford to miss this one. We’ve analyzed our performance against Zambia, and we’re motivated for the upcoming battle against our brothers.”

Nyambua expressed his satisfaction with the opening win over Zambia but believes the team can perform even better against Uganda, stating, “I’m delighted with our victory against Zambia, but as we head into the Uganda fixture, we need to be sharper and raise our game against our opponents.”

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Reinhard Mwalati, Wilhite Mususi and Walter Okoth are the three changes for the Simbas ahead of their title decider with Mwalati and Okoth set to make their test debuts in this fixture.

Mwalati, part of the Kenya U20 squad that won the 2021 Rugby Africa U20 Barthes Trophy slots into the openside flank on his test debut, starting ahead of Elkeans Musonye in a backrow that sees skipper George Nyambua at blindside with Jeanson Misoga at number eight.

This highly anticipated match kicks off at 4:00 PM and will be broadcast live on the Uganda Rugby Union’s YouTube Channel.

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Kenya Simbas matchday squad

15. Jone Kubu, 14. Joel Inzuga, 13. Bryceson Adaka, 12. Walter Okoth, 11. Alfred Orege, 10. Brian Wahinya, 9. Barry Young, 1. Ephraim Oduor, 2. Teddy Akala,3. Wilhite Mususi, 4. Hibrahim Ayoo, 5. Hillary Odhiambo, 6. George Nyambua (Captain), 7. Reinhard Mwalati, 8. Jeanson Misoga

REPLACEMENTS 16. Emmanuel Otieno, 17. Thomas Okidia, 18. Hillary Mwanjilwa, 19. Brian Ndirangu, 20. Peter Waitere, 21. Elkeans Musonye, 22. Dan Ang’wech, 23. Paul Mutsami

Reporting by Kenya Rugby Union