Kenya Simbas have received a morale-boosting cash incentive from long-term partners Hemingways Collection enabling them to honour their final 2023 World Cup qualifier match against Hong Kong on Friday.

The Simbas’ hopes of making it to the 2023 World Cup in France were shattered last Saturday following a heavy 85-0 defeat to a rampaging Portugal.

However, they have an opportunity to save face when they come up against Hong Kong in Dubai. Hemingways Collection has provided the team with a timely boost of Sh1.83 million to pay the players their allowances.

“Hemingways Collection is passionate about quality training and support. We believe in continuously providing excellent service for our clients and working with Kenyan athletes and sports bodies to showcase Kenyan talent to our national and international guests,” Founder and Chairman of Hemingways Dicky Evans said.

Kenya, ranked 33rd in the world, was seeking to qualify for its first-ever, World Cup through the repechage route, having lost to Namibia in the 2021–22 Rugby Africa Cup. However, a 68-14 defeat to the USA was followed by a humbling from Portugal, leaving Paul Odera’s side down and out.

The Simbas and Hong Kong have both been eliminated from the competition but there will be all to play for at the Sevens Stadium.