Meet Ntabeni Dukisa, a professional rugby player who chose to play for Kenya instead of South Africa

Ntabeni Dukisa’s only goal upon arriving in Kenya in 2019 was to support Kabras Sugar Rugby Club in their pursuit of a second Kenya Cup championship. Simbas never gave wearing Kenya’s official colors a second consideration.

Five years later, the 36-year-old utility back, who has represented multiple Currie Cup teams in South Africa, is about to make his Kenyan debut due to modifications in World Rugby’s eligibility rules.

At one point, Dukisa was on the verge of playing for South Africa, the world champions. He was chosen to play for the South African Barbarians during their 2012 tour of South Africa against England. Although he made an impression by scoring a try during the game, he was never a mainstay of the Springboks team.

Dukisa relocated to Kenya in 2019 to join Kabras Sugar following appearances with the Eastern Province Elephants in the Currie Cup and Southern Kings in the Pro14. He has since won three Kenya Cup championships and was named the Most Valuable Player in the final last year.

When Kenya Simbas head coach Jerome Paarwater selected him in a 35-man squad for the Elgon Cup in October of last year, his life took a new turn. Due to World Rugby’s updated eligibility regulations, which no longer mandate that players have five years of continuous residency before representing a new nation, Dukisa was permitted to play for Kenya.

Brian Tanga (Centre) of Kenya Simba attempts to avoid a tackle by Walter Okoth (left) and Dukisa Ntabeni (second left) of Kabras Sugar during their friendly game on July 20, 2021, at the RFUEA stadium.

Dukisa’s debut with Kenya Simbas was postponed due to a recurring Achilles tendon injury, but he has since made a comeback, playing for Kabras Sugar in their recent Enterprise Cup and Kenya Cup triumphs over Kenya Harlequin.

“When I first arrived, I never thought about playing for Kenya, but as time went on, I realized how welcomed I was everywhere I played, not just at Kabras,” Dukisa said.

He was shocked to hear that he could represent Kenya under the new rules after first being unsure of his eligibility.

“Kenya has amazing people, but I was a little anxious about acceptance. “I changed my mind because of the atmosphere in Kakamega,” he continued, thanking the Kenya Rugby Union for their backing.

For Dukisa, becoming a citizen of Kenya is a chance as well as a responsibility. “I consider myself fortunate. Playing for a national team was more than I could have ever imagined. We share comparable customs, and I genuinely like this serene setting,” he remarked.

Dukisa adores Kenyan food, particularly the roast beef (Nyama choma) and maize dish (ugali).

When the time comes, Dukisa is willing to take a shot with Kenya Simbas, but he is still committed to his club responsibilities with Kabras Sugar.

“I don’t want to overthink or push things. Delivering another title for Kabras Sugar and acclimating to Kenya Simbas when the time comes are my top priorities right now. He said, “I’ll wait, help the team, and carry out our plan.”

A move to the shorter format was rejected by Dukisa.

“I will admit that I’m not a fan of sevens rugby. However, Kenya can maintain its place in the World Sevens Series because to its elite players. I hope the future holds nothing but the best for them.

Although he is happy to be back in action, coach Paarwater stressed that he needs to fight for a spot in the team.

He is an all-around player with a wealth of experience, a tactical kicker, and a powerful defender. But he doesn’t necessarily make the squad because of it,” Paarwater remarked. “Everyone has to earn their spot because we have young players coming up.”

In order to prepare for the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup, which will also serve as a qualifier for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, the Kenya Simbas team will begin training again on March 9 before a rigorous camp in South Africa.

The victor of the competition, which is set for July in Uganda, will automatically qualify, while the runner-up will advance to a playoff rematch.