Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) has announced that Carlos Katywa, the current head coach of Kabras Sugar, will take over as the new head coach of Kenya's national men's 15s rugby team, the Simbas. This move comes after the departure of Jerome Paarwater, a fellow South African. According to KRU's director of leagues and competitions, Leslie Mwangale, Katywa's appointment is a result of his extensive knowledge of the Kenyan rugby landscape.
Katywa, a Umtata-born tactician, has been instrumental in establishing Kabras Sugar as a dominant force in Kenyan rugby. Since taking over as head coach in 2022, he has led the team to four consecutive Kenya Cup titles and four consecutive Enterprise Cup crowns. His success with Kabras Sugar has earned him a reputation as a skilled coach with a knack for winning trophies.
Mwangale cited Katywa's understanding of Kenyan players, their physique, and their capabilities as key factors in his appointment. He believes that Katywa's familiarity with the local rugby scene will enable him to identify and develop talent effectively. As a result, KRU is optimistic about the team's prospects under Katywa's leadership.
Before his elevation to the top position, Katywa served as one of Paarwater's assistants during his second stint as Simbas head coach, which began in March 2023. Additionally, he was part of the technical team for the national under-20 side, Chipu, which won the Barthes Cup in Uganda in August by defeating Namibia 33-14.
Paarwater's departure had left a void in the team's coaching setup, and KRU has moved swiftly to fill the gap with Katywa's appointment. The union is confident that Katywa's experience and knowledge of Kenyan rugby will help the team build on its existing strengths and achieve success in future competitions.
As the new head coach, Katywa will be tasked with maintaining the team's momentum and potentially leading them to new heights. His track record with Kabras Sugar suggests that he has the potential to make a significant impact, and fans will be eagerly watching his progress with the Simbas.
The appointment of Katywa as the new head coach of Kenya's national 15s rugby team marks a new chapter for the team. With his expertise and understanding of the local rugby scene, KRU is hopeful that he will lead the team to achieve its goals and make a lasting impact on the sport in Kenya.
Key points
- Carlos Katywa to take over as Kenya's national 15s rugby team head coach after Jerome Paarwater's departure.
- Katywa's appointment is based on his knowledge of Kenyan rugby and his success with Kabras Sugar.
- Katywa has led Kabras Sugar to multiple consecutive titles, including four Kenya Cup and Enterprise Cup crowns.
