Kabras RFC tactician Carlos Katywa has been appointed as the new Kenya Simbas head coach, taking over from compatriot Jerome Paarwater, under whom he previously served as assistant coach.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsThe South African's elevation marks a progression within the Simbas’ technical setup, having worked alongside Paarwater during his second stint in charge of the national 15s team.He steps into the role after establishing himself as one of the most successful coaches in Kenyan domestic rugby through his impressive spell at Kabras Sugar RFC, where he oversaw a period of sustained dominance.Kenya Sevens star Kevin Wekesa invited to speak at important United Nations conferenceHis appointment comes at a crucial time for the Simbas as Kenya looks to rebuild following its failure to qualify for the 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup.At Kabras, Katywa has helped the Kakamega-based outfit win six Kenya Cup titles and an equal number of Enterprise Cup crowns.Kabras have also maintained a remarkable unbeaten run of more than 50 consecutive matches across local competitions.##NAJAVA_MECA_10105794##The South African has also guided Kabras to success on the National Sevens Circuit, including winning the Dala 7s and Prinsloo 7s titles.Beyond his club success, Katywa has been involved in Kenya’s national team structures, serving on the technical benches of the Kenya Under-20 side, Chipu, and the Simbas, where he worked as Paarwater’s assistant. He was part of the technical bench that saw Chipu reclaim their Barthes Cup this year.He has equally championed grassroots rugby development, particularly through supporting local academy systems and youth talent pathways in Western Kenya.Ibrahim Ayoo reveals next target after achieving centurion with Menengai OilersKatywa now inherits a Simbas side that has been inactive since its last outing in 2025, when Kenya’s hopes of qualifying for the 2027 Rugby World Cup were ended by a heartbreaking 29-23 semi-final defeat to Zimbabwe at the Rugby Africa Cup in Kampala, Uganda.The Simbas had taken an 18-13 lead into half-time but failed to hold on as Zimbabwe mounted a second-half comeback to secure victory.Kenya subsequently suffered a 15-5 defeat to Algeria in the third-place playoff, finishing fourth in the continental competition.##NAJAVA_MECA_10105812##Zimbabwe went on to beat Namibia 30-28 in the final to claim Africa’s sole automatic qualification ticket, ending a 34-year absence from the global showpiece.Paarwater’s departure was confirmed by KRU Director of Rugby Paul Odera, who revealed during a Twitter Space hosted by Two5Four Sports that the South African had requested to leave after securing an opportunity with another club.Odera explained that the union had conducted a review of the Simbas programme, assessing the team’s performances and technical direction before accepting Paarwater’s request.Bob Muhati's father admits to anxiety whenever watching son's KCB gamesKatywa’s appointment ushers in a new chapter for the national 15s side, with the former Kabras coach expected to bring his experience of winning domestic titles into the international setup.
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