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The Kenya Simbas are set to participate in the 2023 Victoria Cup during the upcoming November International window.

The Kenya Rugby Union has officially confirmed the Simbas’ return to the Victoria Cup, marking their comeback after a hiatus since 2019.

Kenya Simbas to play Elgon Cup

Additionally, they are set to compete in the Elgon Cup against Uganda, which they last played in 2019.

The journey begins with a match against Zambia in Kampala on Wednesday, November 1. Subsequently, the Simbas will face off against Uganda in the Ugandan capital on Sunday, November 5.

This match also serves as the initial leg of the Elgon Cup. The Elgon Cup return match against Uganda is scheduled for Saturday, November 11 to be hosted in Kisumu City.

There are also plans in motion for an exciting encounter between the women’s national teams of Kenya and Uganda in Kisumu on the same day.

Efforts are underway to expand the Victoria Cup, possibly including Zimbabwe, and incorporating both senior women and men’s U20 competitions.

Kenya Simbas in Victoria Cup

The Victoria Cup was last contested in 2019, featuring the African nations of Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. It was revived after a seven-year hiatus, following Rugby Africa’s cancellation of the Africa Gold Cup in 2019 due to sponsorship issues.

Originally, the Victoria Cup was played as a tri-nations tournament between Kenya, Zimbabwe, and Uganda in 2010 and 2011. It followed a double round-robin format, with teams playing both home and away matches. Unfortunately, the competition was discontinued in 2012 when Uganda and Zimbabwe withdrew due to financial difficulties.

The Victoria Cup derives its name from Lake Victoria in Kenya and Victoria Falls, both of which were named in honor of Queen Victoria and her great grandmother. Zimbabwe has been the dominant force in the Victoria Cup, winning it in 2019 and 2011. The Kenya Simbas secured victory in 2012 and finished as runners-up in both 2011 and 2019.

Here are the Simbas’ upcoming fixtures:

Kenya vs. Zambia | 4:00 PM EAT | Wednesday, November 1, 2023 | Kampala

Uganda vs. Kenya | 4:00 PM EAT | Sunday, November 5, 2023 | Kampala

Kenya vs. Uganda | 4:00 EAT | Saturday, November 11, 2023 | Kisumu