Ex-Shujaa coach Ayimba joins Kenya Harlequins bench

Kenya sevens team coah Benjamin Ayimba during their 2016 Safari Sevens at Kasarani Stadium on Sept. 24, 2016.[PHOTO:DENNIS OKEYO/STANDARD]

Former national Sevens coach Benjamin Ayimba has been appointed Kenya Harlequins assistant coach.

Ayimba, who guided Kenya to victory in the 2016 Singapore Sevens, made his touchline debut for the Ngong Road-based club in their 29-26 win over Mwamba in a Kenya Cup match at the RFUEA grounds on Sunday.

Confirming the appointment to The Standard Sports, Quins head coach Charles Cardovillis praised Ayimba, labelling him as a great disciplinarian.

“He (Ayimba) has joined us as an assistant coach. Apart from building the playing unit, we are also trying to set up a solid technical team and I picked him because he is someone I share a philosophy with; he is a no-nonsense coach and we sort of believe in the same things,” Cardovillis said.

Before crossing over to Quins, Ayimba served on the technical benches of Homeboyz and Kenya Rugby Union championship side, Kisumu RFC.

“He has really been doing a lot of work with the forwards during the pre-season and players have been very responsive to him,” added Cardovillis.

Apart from leading Shujaa to Singapore Sevens glory two years ago, Ayimba also steered the national Sevens team to 2009 World Cup semifinals. He was on the sidelines when Shujaa played in Rio Olympics. Among his tasks will be helping Quins to a first Kenya Cup title since 2012.