When Ntabeni Dukisa first arrived in Kenya in 2019, his sole focus was helping Kabras Sugar Rugby Club in their quest for a second Kenya Cup title. The thought of donning the national colours for Kenya Simbas never crossed his mind.
Now, five years later, the 36-year-old utility back—who has played for several Currie Cup sides in South Africa—is on the verge of representing Kenya, thanks to changes in World Rugby's eligibility regulations.
Dukisa was once close to playing for world champions South Africa. In 2012, he was selected for the South African Barbarians squad that faced England during their tour of South Africa. He made an impact by scoring a try in the match but never broke into the Springboks squad.
After stints with Southern Kings in the Pro14 and Eastern Province Elephants in the Currie Cup, Dukisa moved to Kenya in 2019 to join Kabras Sugar. Since then, he has won three Kenya Cup titles, earning the Most Valuable Player award in last year's final.
His journey took a new turn in October last year when Kenya Simbas head coach Jerome Paarwater named him in a 35-man squad for the Elgon Cup. Dukisa had been cleared to play for Kenya following World Rugby's revised eligibility rules, which no longer require players to complete five years of unbroken residency before representing a new country.
Kenya Simba's Brian Tanga(Centre) tries to evade a tackle from Kabras Sugar's Walter Okoth (left) and Dukisa Ntabeni (second left) during their friendly match at the RFUEA ground on July 20, 2021.
Photo credit: Pool
However, a persistent Achilles tendon injury delayed his debut for Kenya Simbas, but Dukisa has since returned to action, featuring for Kabras Sugar in their recent Enterprise Cup and Kenya Cup victories over Kenya Harlequin.
“Playing for Kenya is something I had never considered when I first arrived, but over time, my perspective changed due to the warm reception I received—not only at Kabras but everywhere I played,” said Dukisa.
Initially uncertain about his eligibility, he was surprised to learn that he could represent Kenya under the new regulations.
“I was a bit jittery about whether I would be accepted, but Kenya has amazing people. The atmosphere in Kakamega is one of the reasons I changed my mind,” he added, praising the Kenya Rugby Union for its support.
Dukisa sees obtaining Kenyan citizenship as both a responsibility and an opportunity. “I feel blessed. It was beyond my wildest dream to play for a national team. Our cultures are similar, and I truly enjoy this calm environment,” he said.
Kabras Sugar’s Ntabeni Dukisa kicks a conversion against Kenya Harlequin during their Kenya Cup match at RFUEA ground on Saturday.
Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group
Dukisa loves Kenyan cuisine, especially the maize meal (ugali) and roast meat (Nyama choma).
Dukisa remains focused on his club duties with Kabras Sugar but is open to taking his chance with Kenya Simbas when the time comes.
“I don’t want to force things or overthink it. My immediate focus is to deliver another title for Kabras Sugar and adjust to Kenya Simbas when the time comes. I’ll wait, support the team, and execute our plan,” he stated.
“I won’t lie Sevens rugby isn’t my thing. But Kenya has world class players who can keep the country in the World Sevens Series. I wish them all the best in upcoming events.”
Coach Paarwater is pleased with his return to action, but emphasised that he must compete for his place in the squad.
“He is a tactical kicker, strong in defense, and an all-round player with vast experience. But that doesn’t mean he automatically makes the team,” said Paarwater. “We have young players coming up, and everyone must earn their spot.”
The Kenya Simbas squad is set to resume training on March 9 ahead of a high-intensity camp in South Africa in preparation for the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup, which will also serve as a qualifier for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
The tournament, scheduled for July in Uganda, will see the winner secure automatic qualification, while the runner-up will head to a repechage playoff.
