WHO WILL BLINK FIRST? Sevens team stays away from training in protest over unpaid bonuses

Kenya's Shujaa Andrew Amonde in action against Western Province during their 2016 Safari Sevens match at Kasarani Stadium on Sept. 24, 2016.[PHOTO:DENNIS OKEYO/STANDARD]

Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) has postponed indefinitely the naming of the National Sevens team that was scheduled for today.

In an email to newsrooms yesterday at 5pm, KRU sent a communication stating the postponement. The single paragraph statement read: “This event has been postponed. The KRU will communicate in due course.”

Sources at KRU confided to FeverPitch that the decision was reached after unpaid bonus talks between the union and the players collapsed on Wednesday afternoon. Drama started yesterday at 6am when the players failed to show up at RFUEA Grounds along Ngong Road for training.

Whereas coach Innocent Simiyu, Team Manager Erick Ogweno and the entire coaching staff reported to the Union headquarters in full regalia ready for training under the chilly morning conditions, the players were nowhere to be seen.

Captain Andrew Amonde and his troops had made good their threat to boycott training and all rugby-related activities, barely 10 days to the start of the first leg of 2016/17 HSBC Rugby Sevens Series in Dubai.

The players would later meet secretly in the afternoon at a local club’s training ground in Ruaraka, Nairobi. “Omwela (Richard) sensationally told the world that the contract we signed with KRU was not binding because the board was not informed,” said a player who did not wish to be named.

“We feel it was disrespectful of him especially at a time when we have sacrificed almost everything for patriotism sake? Blaming Ronald Bukusi (KRU CEO) does not help. We want the entire Sh21 million in lump sum or let them forget about our services,” added our source.

On Tuesday, KRU Chairman Richard Omwela, while fielding questions from the media at the launch of the team’s new kit, told reporters the union was not aware that CEO Ronald Bukusi had signed contracts inclusive of a bonus scheme with the players.

“We are responsible employers and this is an internal matter. I would not go into details because any conclusions that we derive from ongoing discussions are bound to prejudice the negotiations,” said Omwela.