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Kenya Simbas are bracing to take on the Leopards of South Africa in a Currie Cup first division fixture scheduled for this Saturday.

 Simbas head coach Paul Odera is oozing with confidence the team will deliver their maiden World Cup qualification after one month of intense training and competitive first Division Currie Cup games in South Africa.

Speaking at the RFUEA grounds during the pre-match press briefing, the tactician noted that Simbas has gained massive improvements in the various aspects of the game. 

“One of our biggest improvements is conditioning. Our physicality now is top notch and our mindset is very good. Western Province gave us access to some of the best facilities and we had the opportunity to work on our skills set and defence.

“We tested the boys under pressure from the Currie Cup opponents and we are now in a very good position to qualify for the World Cup. Actually, the last two games will put us in a better position having tried and tested almost every possible combination in the previous games,” Odera said

The coach added: “We struggled in the set pieces and we are glad we have made big strides. In the scrum downs we were at about 50 percent but now we are at 90 percent.

“We are also closing in to the same in our line outs and you know South Africa is known for some of the best line outs and scrum downs in the world so we have learnt a lot. Elite performance takes time and I am glad the Union wants us in the competition annually.”

 The tactician also named his 23-man squad which will be skippered by Darwin Mukidza. Ephraim Oduor ‘DeadPool’ will partner with his hooker from Kabras Sugar Teddy Akala and fellow prop Edward Mwaura. 

At the back line the main changes will have KCB scrum half Samuel Asati alongside club mates Vincent Onyala and Darwin Mukidza come in to the start. The midfield partnership this weekend will have John Okoth and Vincent Onyala start in place of Peter Kilonzo and Bryson Adaka.