Kenya Rugby Union set to officially announce Paul Odera as coach for Kenya 15s

Paul Odera at a past press conference [Photo: Courtesy]

The Kenya Rugby Union is set to officially announce Paul Odera as the coach for the Kenya 15s national team on a one-year deal.

The tactician will be expected to get down to work immediately as he is tasked with naming the squad for the two upcoming test matches. Speaking on the imminent confirmation, director of rugby Thomas Odundo made it clear on the task awaiting Odera.

"Once we make the formal announcement, then the coach will announce the training squad for our test matches," said Odundo.

The Simbas have two matches lined up for them including Portugal and Germany in July. According to the game director, the Union is out to get some competitive fixtures for the national side outside the Africa gold cup.

The Simbas have two test matches against European sides [Photo: Courtesy]

"We are looking at getting the two-game against Germany or Portugal and test ourselves against these teams in a bid to complement the fixtures we have from the continental matches," he said.

The Simbas have mixed results in previous meetings with the two European sides, thrashing the Portuguese 41-15 at the RFUEA Grounds in 2015 and losing twice against the Germans, 29-28 at the RFUEA grounds and 43-6 in the World Cup qualifiers in Marseille, France 2018.

The Rugby director also reiterated on Kenya's target of winning the Africa Gold Cup this year and push up the ladder in the world rankings where the Simbas are ranked 32nd.

Kenya have always had to settle for second best in the last three seasons thanks to the presence of mighty Namibia.

Elsewhere, the Africa U20 tournament has been moved to Ruaraka Sports club from the famous RFUEA grounds by the Rugby Union citing poor pitch conditions at RFUEA.

The Kenya U20 squad pose for a group photo [Courtesy]

The tournament will involve four teams including hosts Kenya, Namibia, Senegal and Tunisia and is scheduled to play from April 4 to 7. The winner will be given the honour to participate in the 2019 Junior World Rugby Trophy to be held in Brazil.

Speaking on the tournament, coach Odera had his say on the home advantage weapon packed by the young national side.

 "Playing at home will give us an advantage we need to make count in the tournament," Odera said.

 

Athletics
Kenyan stars ready for World Cross showdown in Belgrade
By Ben Ahenda 5 hrs ago
Motorsport
Safari Rally 2024: Tanak urges Kenyan children to take up motorsports as a career
Rugby
SCHOOLS: From the classroom to the field, Kisumu Girls ready to lift national rugby trophy
Motorsport
Safari Rally 2024: Neuville clinches Kasarani stage as Hyundai makes intention known