Sevens coach Ochieng’ denies quit claims

Kenya Sevens Rugby Head Coach Felix Ochieng address during the naming of his squad for Wellington and La Vegas Legs at Harliquin grounds Caption

Kenya Sevens head coach Felix ‘Toti’ Ochieng’ and Kenya Rugby Union have dismissed media reports that the coach has resigned as the national team tactician.

A section of the media had reported that the former Kenya and Kenya Harlequin forward had thrown in the towel after reportedly holding a meeting with KRU officials on Tuesday.

Ochieng’, who signed a one-year contract with Shujaa in December after the resignation of his boss Paul Treu who cited unfavourable working conditions within the union board, has had a torrid season that saw Kenya finish 13th with a paltry 46 points in the 2014-15 HSBC Sevens World Series.

But in an interview with Feverpitch, the former deputy coach categorically denied the claims, saying he intends to serve his contract.

“Those stories are inaccurate. I have not resigned as the Kenya Sevens head coach and I am still in charge of the team. I cannot comment further as I am not privy to your source of information or any other,” said Ochieng’.

When contacted, Oscar Mango, the KRU Director in charge of national squads and the Kenya Sevens Technical bench, termed the reports as ‘false and completely baseless’, but admitted that their planned meeting on Wednesday was to discuss the team’s road map to 2016 Rio Olympics.

“As far as I am concerned those are rumours. Personally, I never met Ochieng’ as reported and I am not aware of his resignation reports.

We are supposed to meet today (late yesterday) with the Sevens team technical bench and management to discuss the team’s road map to Rio Olympics, challenges they have faced and how to deal with them,” said Mungo.

“Ochieng’ still has a running contract with the team and his contract will be reviewed upon expiry in the next few months.”

Mango said the team will start training on July 13 and called on rugby stakeholders and lovers to stop politicising the game.

“The team is supposed to commence training next Monday. Let’s stop politics and concentrate on ensuring the team qualifies for the Olympics,” said Mango.