The Kenya national rugby 15-aside team Kenya Simbas have included South African-born Ntabeni Dukisa in the 33-man squad that will be taking part in the upcoming Currie Cup First Division challenge.
Dukisa ‘s inclusion comes in the wake of his impressive performances with Kenya Cup champions Kabras Sugar and has been instrumental in slotting in the much-needed points when called upon.
However, it remains unclear whether his inclusion will be the first of many appearances for the Simbas and whether he will be the replacement of choice for KCB utility Darwin Mukidza who called time on his decorated career with the national team.
If Dukisa decides to change his nationality to that of a Kenyan, then this will not be the first time after Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) made it possible for Fijian-born Jonah Kubu to play for the Simbas during the World Cup qualifiers.
Simbas are scheduled to play nine fixtures in the 2023 Currie Cup First Division Mzansi Challenge.
This is according to fixtures published by the competition organisers a fortnight ago, with the Simbas set to make their second appearance at the prestigious tournament.
The Jerome Paarwater-coached side will kick-start their campaign against the Boland Kavaliers in Cape Town on April 1 before playing the Leopards from Potchefstroom a week later.
Participating teams will take a much-needed break before heading back with Simbas scheduled to tackle the San Clemente Rhinos on April 29.
Simbas will thereafter play Border Bulldogs on May 6 in Cape Town and the Windhoek Draught Welwitschias in Windhoek before capping off the campaign with three straight games.
They will face the Zimbabwe Goshawks on May 20.
before battling it out with 2018 champions South Western Districts (SWD) Eagles from George on June 3 at the rugby’s cathedral RFUEA Ground in Nairobi.
The tournament comes against the backdrop of Paarwater’s return to the helm of the national team.
Paarwater, who was the Simbas head coach between 2013 and 2017, will be assisted by Carlos Katywa and Curtis Olago.
