Andrew Matoka, a key player for the Kenya Simbas and a member of Impala Rugby Club, is currently benefiting from the intense high-performance rugby training camp in South Africa. Matoka, alongside three other Kenyan players, is participating in the five-month Rhinos’ Rugby High Performance program, which is being held in Cape Town. This program aims to enhance the players’ skills, fitness, and rugby IQ, preparing them for the future challenges in the sport.
The players involved in this prestigious camp are not only from the Kenya Simbas but also from different levels of the Kenyan rugby setup. Apart from Matoka, the other participants include David Williams of Kisumu RFC and the Kenya Morans, Jackson Siketi of Kabras, and Dennis Ndayala, a young talent from Mwamba who also features for Chipu, the Kenyan U20 team. These players were selected for their potential to make significant contributions to Kenyan rugby at the international level.
The training is taking place at the world-class Gordon’s Bay training facility, located in the heart of Cape Town, where the players are immersed in an environment designed to push their physical and mental limits. The facilities are state-of-the-art, with top-notch resources available for every aspect of player welfare, from on-pitch performance to off-pitch recovery and nutrition.
Matoka, in his first week of training, expressed his enthusiasm and appreciation for the program. He was especially impressed by the professional setup and the attention given to player welfare. “Player welfare is top-notch all my on-pitch and off-pitch needs have been catered for,” Matoka shared. He went on to note the intensity of the training, revealing that the sessions would only become more challenging as the program progressed. Despite the hard work, Matoka feels privileged to be part of such a high-level training environment. “It feels as if I’m in a pro setup,” he remarked, emphasizing the quality of the experience.
South African rugby legend Frankie Horne, the head coach of the Rhinos’ 7s High Performance Program, spoke about the significance of this collaboration between Kenya and South Africa. Horne explained that the Rhinos have always been keen to assist Kenyan rugby players in realizing their full potential, which is why they offer opportunities for Kenyan players, particularly those on national team pathways, to join their high-performance programs in both South Africa and San Clemente, Los Angeles. The aim is to create a development pathway that gives Kenyan players exposure to top-tier coaching, facilities, and competition.
Kenya’s 7s head coach, Kevin Wambua, has been supportive of the program and expressed his hope that it will be beneficial for the young players involved. Wambua highlighted the long-term goals of plugging into the Rhinos’ High Performance Program to enhance player development within the Kenyan rugby ecosystem. “I wish the young lads all the best during their stay at Gordon’s Bay and we hope to have them back into our program as better athletes – not only physically, but also in their overall sevens rugby IQ,” said Wambua. His emphasis on improving the players’ rugby intelligence indicates that this program isn’t just about physical development but also about honing tactical and strategic understanding of the game.
The program, which runs from January to May, will provide these young players with invaluable exposure to world-class coaching and training. It is a critical step in their development, allowing them to refine their skills and gain experience that will benefit both their club teams and the national team in the future. The Kenyan players are expected to return to their respective teams in May as more complete athletes, with enhanced physical conditioning and a deeper understanding of the game’s technical and tactical aspects.
This collaboration marks a significant step in strengthening Kenya’s rugby development pathway, with an emphasis on both physical and mental preparation. The knowledge and skills gained through the Rhinos’ High Performance program will likely have a lasting impact on the players and the wider Kenyan rugby scene. With this initiative, the future of Kenyan rugby looks brighter as the players gain the tools needed to compete at the highest levels
