Sports

Fundraiser set up for France-bound Kenya Simbas 

Saturday, June 18th, 2022 17:35 | By
The Simbas taking part in a training match at the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi. Photo/PD/ALEX NJUE

Kenya Simbas would require up to Ksh10 million shillings to compete in the Rugby Africa Cup 15s matches slated for France, and a 'Friends for Simbas' drive has been launched to raise the amount.

Kenya Simbas. PHOTO/Kenya Simbas/Facebook
Kenya Simbas. PHOTO/Kenya Simbas/Facebook

Former Kenya Simba captain Dickie Evans is spearheading the fundraiser, which comes just days before the Simbas fly out for France for the Rugby Africa Cup matches, which will act as qualifiers for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

The Simbas have warmed up for the qualifiers with Currie Cup matches, and Evans, who captained the side in the 1970s, believes the side has a chance to play in the 2023 Rugby World Cup. 

He says money should not be an issue that derails the well-prepared team.

Fans and well-wishers can make contributions through a Mchanga fundraiser account via https://bit.ly/3Qudh2a.

"We are on the verge of making history!! As we enter this critical final phase, all the training and effort comes down to one last push. The players and staff have put enormous effort and self-sacrifice into getting us to this stage. However, we are now at the stage where funding has been expended and we are desperately short of funds to get us over this last hurdle," Evans said.

"The period from now until July 10th has to be funded. This is where YOU can assist the 40-strong squad of players and backroom staff who have given up their time permanently over the last three months to get us into an enviable position."  

"Kenya MUST find a critical 10 Million Ksh to get our players there in peak condition. We cannot allow this short-term funding gap to risk all we have built." the statement further reads.

"I have come together with other Kenyans to create the Friends of Simbas, with a regulated bank account overseen by myself and a Board of independent professionals. Please join me, other funders, and sponsors who have contributed over 4m in the last year alone to ensure we can compete in these final three must-win matches."

"To achieve this REALITY, we must all come together as Kenyans and help our team over the finish line. In conjunction with the KRU, the Friends of Simbas invite you to become a Friend NOW. We are 10M away from SUCCESS. Every single penny will make this a reality. Please give generously." the statement concluded.

Kenya Simbas will face Uganda Cranes in the quarterfinal on Saturday, July 2nd, at Stade Maurice-David in Aix-en-Provence. A win will see Paul Odera-coached side play the winner of the Senegal/Algeria match in the semis.

The winner of the eight-team knockout competition will represent Africa at the RWC2023, which will be held in France 14 months later.

The team will be in Pool A, which consists of New Zealand, France, Italy, and Uruguay.

More on Sports


ADVERTISEMENT

RECOMMENDED STORIES Sports


ADVERTISEMENT