Why new KRU boss Sasha Mutai should be a worried man
Rugby
By
Washington Onyango
| Mar 30, 2023
Sasha Mutai after an interview with KTN Sports reporters at the Standard Group offices in Nairobi. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]
Sasha Mutai is the new Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) boss.
The renowned quantity surveyor with a demonstrated history of working in the construction industry took over the reins of one of the nations' most treasured sports, rugby, on Wednesday.
Mutai, 45, was declared rugby's new boss unopposed by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) during the Union's elections held at the RFUEA.
However, it will be trying times for Mutai who will have to deal with the numerous challenges facing the union including inadequate funds for the national teams including finding a sponsor for the Kenya Cup.
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On top of it will be ensuring Kenya Sevens are not relegated from the World Rugby Sevens Series.
Shujaa who are currently in Asia ahead of the eighth leg of the 2022-2023 series in Hong Kong are 13th on the standings with 29 points, five points from safety.
According to World Rugby, the 15th ranked core teams and below based on accumulated Series points following the tenth round in Toulouse will be relegated.
The teams ranked 12th, 13th and 14th at the end of Toulouse will enter a four-team relegation play-off together with the Challenger Series 2023 winners at the eleventh and final round of the Series in London.
The relegation play-off will be round-robin format with the top two teams then playing a final. The winner will become the 12th core team on the 2024 Series, while the other three teams will enter their respective Regional Sevens Championships in order to qualify for the 2024 World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series.
Sasha takes over from Oduor Gangla who chose not to defend his seat despite the union's constitution not restricting him.
He will be deputised by Moses Ndale, who beat Ombui Ratemo to the Vice Chair seat.
Joshua Aroni retained his rank as the Union's treasurer after going unopposed in the exercise.
Former Kenya Sevens star Humphrey Kayange has been elected as one of the directors alongside MMUST Rugby coach Ochieng Ahaya, Harriet Achieng,Moses Mukabaine, Leslie Mangale and John Kilonzo.
Kayange is an Athlete Representative at the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) executive and also seats at the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Board.
Raymond Olendo will be honorary secretary.
New KRU Leadership
Chairman-Sasha Mutai
Vice Chairman-Moses Ndale
Hon Secretary-Raymond Olendo
Treasurer-Joshua Aroni Makiya
Directors
Humphrey Kayange
Leslie Mangale
Harriet Achieng Okach
Moses Mukabaine
Ochieng Ahaya
John Kilonzo