Kenya Rugby Union in hunt for Shujaa coach

Scott Curry of New Zealand (L) runs with the ball in the men's round three match against Kenya during the Sydney Sevens rugby tournament at Bankwest Stadium in Sydney on February 2, 2020. [SAM MOOY / AFP]

Kenya Rugby Union is searching for Shujaa head coach to guide the team to the postponed 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

New Zealand’s Paul Feeney stepped down last month after helping Kenya clinch the Rugby Africa Men’s Sevens title in Johannesburg and earn qualification to the Olympic Games.

KRU has now re-advertised the position of Kenya Sevens head coach but this time, it is open to all nationals.

Earlier, KRU had announced the position directing that only Kenyans could apply, a move that saw only three local coaches apply even as many foreigners showed interest.

“The Rugby Union is now looking for a coach from any country with a minimum of three years experience as a head coach in a division one club elite squad and a minimum World Rugby Level two coaching certification in either sevens or 15s rugby,” read the KRU statement.

“The overall responsibility will be coaching the sevens squad and the management of a performance programme to ensure that the selected players are best equipped to compete and perform in the international assignments as defined by the KRU.”

KRU chairman Oduor Gangla said they will bring on board an experienced coach who will not only guide Kenya to the Olympics, but also prepare the team for the 2021 HSBC World Seven Series.

“We are still in the early process of selecting a coach. There is nothing much to reveal. The position is now open to all nationals around the world and we will make the announcement as soon as we come to an agreement,” he said.

The new coach is expected to lead Kenya in the new season, starting in October with Kenya hosting the Safari Sevens International tournament.

Gangla said KRU will resume local (Kenya Cup and Championship) and international competitions after a green light from the government through the Ministry of Health.

“We understand Safari Sevens is here with us but we have to also note that we have a serious health problem in the the form of coronavirus pandemic.”

“We will only resume play as per the directives of the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Sports where we understand earlier this week Sports Cabinet Minister Amina Mohamed formed a committee to advise on the resumption of sporting activities across the country,’ Gangla said.

“The same will apply to Kenya Cup and KRU Championship leagues which are in the playoff stages.”

All applications for the Kenya Sevens head coach must be submitted not later than July 10.

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