Benjamin Ayimba
The Kenya Rugby Union on Friday confirmed the appointment of former Sevens coach Benjamin Ayimba to take charge of the national team in time for the World Rugby Sevens Series of 2015 / 2016.
Ayimba, a former player, 1st handled the Kenya Sevens team between 2006 and 2011, leading the side to their 1st-ever World Series final in Adelaide, Australia in 2009, as well as the semi-final of the 2009 Rugby Sevens World Cup in Dubai.
“Ayimba will be tasked with preparing the team for the Safari Sevens, as well as the men’s 2016 Olympic qualifiers in November in Johannesburg,” the KRU said in a statement.
The new coach takes over from Felix Ochieng, who took temporary charge of the team following the resignation of South African Paul Treu in December.
Ayimba’s appointment comes at a time when there is a renewed confidence on the new leadership of the Kenya Rugby Union, following allegations of corruption and fraud which forced out the old office late last year.
The new office has promised to improve good governance, accountability and transparency after the sponsors rescinded their decision to withdraw funding for the national team.
Kenya dropped down to the continental qualifiers for the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, after finishing a poor 13th in the 2014 – 2015 World Rugby Sevens Series, which, for the 1st time doubled as a qualifier for the Olympic games, with the top 4 countries qualifying automatically.
The Sevens game will be introduced into the Olympics for the 1st time in Rio in 2016.
Sport24