Former Kenya Simbas captain Davis Chenge has attributed the contrasting fortunes of Kenya Sevens and the 15s team to a lack of international fixtures for the Simbas, warning that the situation threatens the country’s long-standing ambition of qualifying for the Rugby World Cup.While Kenya Sevens continue to test themselves against international opposition across various competitions, the Simbas have endured an extended spell on the sidelines, with their last test match or friendly coming more than 460 days ago.Download our Mozzart Sport App for more newsThe disparity has raised concerns about the direction of the 15s game, with players questioning the lack of opportunities to compete at the highest level despite their commitment to the sport.Kenya Sevens, on the other hand, have enjoyed a considerably busier international calendar, featuring at the Safari 7s, the HSBC SVNS 2 tournament in Nairobi, Brazil and Uruguay, as well as the HSBC Challenger Series in Hong Kong, France and Spain.##NAJAVA_MECA_10075976##The regular exposure has given the sevens players opportunities to measure themselves against different opponents, sharpen their skills and gain valuable experience in high-pressure international matches.For Chenge, who captained the Simbas during his playing career, the lack of similar opportunities for the 15s team is a major obstacle to progress.“The lack of international matches works against the game and undermines Kenya's long-standing ambition of qualifying for the Rugby World Cup. The players are not getting enough quality game time. Playing in the Kenya Cup and facing Uganda, with all due respect to them, does not provide the level of competition and preparation required if we want to compete at the World Cup,” Chenge said.The former captain pointed to Kenya’s previous Rugby World Cup qualification campaigns, arguing that the quality of opposition the Simbas faced during those periods played a crucial role in bringing the country closer to its ultimate goal.Kenyan rugby player opens up on challenges of adapting to life in PolandHe recalled that the two occasions when Kenya came closest to securing qualification were supported by stronger programmes of international fixtures, including matches against established European sides and competitive South African provincial teams.Kenya came agonisingly close to qualifying for the 2015 Rugby World Cup following an impressive campaign in the 2014 Africa Cup, which doubled as the qualification tournament for the global showpiece in England.In preparation for the campaign, the Simbas embarked on an ambitious programme that saw the squad relocate to Cape Town for seven weeks to compete in South Africa's Vodacom Cup under the name Simba XV.The competition provided the Kenyan side with an opportunity to face higher-level opposition, and they registered a notable 17-10 victory over Eastern Province Kings during their campaign.Former Simbas lock identifies key areas Kenya must address to improve in 15sThe Simbas also won the 2014 Elgon Cup against Uganda, securing a 48-21 aggregate victory over their regional rivals to build momentum ahead of the decisive Africa Cup tournament in Madagascar.Kenya carried that form into Antananarivo, recording a historic 29-22 victory over Namibia before thrashing hosts Madagascar 34-0. The win over Namibia was particularly significant, marking Kenya's first victory over the African rugby powerhouse outside Nairobi.The results put the Simbas in a strong position heading into their final match against Zimbabwe, where a bonus point would have secured automatic qualification for the 2015 Rugby World Cup.However, Kenya suffered a 28-10 defeat that ultimately proved costly. The result left the Simbas third in the standings on points difference, ending their hopes of reaching the tournament.EXPLAINER: Kenya Lionesses' routes to securing HSBC SVNS 2 qualificationDespite the heartbreak, the campaign remains an illustration of how extensive preparation and exposure to quality opposition can bring Kenya closer to competing at the highest level.“I must say that the two times Kenya came closest to qualifying for the World Cup, we had quality test matches. We played against teams such as Germany, Spain and Portugal, as well as quality opposition in the Currie Cup and Vodacom Cup. Those experiences helped bring us closer to qualification,” Chenge added.The former captain believes that without regular international competition, Kenyan players risk falling behind their counterparts from countries that consistently expose their national teams to higher levels of rugby.Kenya 7s speedster opens up on inaugural Ultimate 7s experienceDomestic competitions remain important in developing players and maintaining competitive standards, but Chenge insists they cannot independently provide the preparation required for the demands of international 15s rugby.He has consequently urged the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) to prioritise securing quality fixtures for the national team, insisting that the country cannot realistically pursue World Cup qualification without investing in the necessary preparation.“Now, the Simbas have gone for an extended period without playing a test match, and that is not good for Kenyan rugby. I want to urge the union to secure more quality fixtures for the team so that the players can test themselves against strong opposition."Menengai Oilers lock reveals English star who inspired his deadlocksBeyond the competitive implications, Chenge warned that the prolonged inactivity could also affect player morale and the long-term sustainability of the 15s game.“It is disappointing because I believe everyone who steps onto a rugby pitch wants to play and reach the highest level possible in the game. Missing those opportunities is discouraging. For some players, it may even reduce their motivation to invest in rugby because they cannot see a clear return on their commitment. As a player, it is extremely disappointing,” he said.
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