T. NashipaeOdera returns as KRU announces U20, U18, and U15 set up
.jpg)
.jpg)
Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 16.02.24. | 07:34
Meanwhile, in the new structure, Kenya's 15s national team; Simbas head coach Jerome Paarwater will take the helm as the program’s head
Paul Odera has returned to the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) technical bench as the Under 18 national team coach as the Union announced the new set up of its various structures.
Odera resigned as the Kenya Simbas head coach in November 2022, just hours after the team’s 22-18 loss at the hands of Hong Kong in the final game of the 2023 Rugby World Cup Repechage in Dubai.
He was at the helm of the Simbas for three years, but it was not all rosy. The Union, at one point, stated he had resigned, only for him to refute the statement, and it ended up in a court case where KRU had to agree to let him continue working as the head coach.
The Simbas failed to qualify for the 2023 World Cup through the initial African route after losing to Namibia in the final of the Africa Cup and had to go to the four-nation repechage tournament, where they lost all three matches.
This time round, however, the tactician returns under a new KRU management and will be keen to propel the U18 team to greater heights. He will be assisted by David Likahyo.
Meanwhile, in the new structure, Kenya's 15s national team; Simbas head coach Jerome Paarwater will take the helm as the program’s head.
The Simbas team will play a pivotal role in collaborating with other squads to achieve common goals and establish a cohesive structure across various pathways.
In addition to the Simbas, the following individuals will lead the pathway teams:
KENYA SIMBAS
Curtis Aluoch: Assistant Coach
Carlos Katiwa: Assistant Coach
Richard Ochieng: Strength and Conditioning Coach
Steve Mankone: Physiotherapist
Jimmy Mnene: Team Manager
KENYA U20
Simon Jawichre: Coach
Kenny Andola: Assistant Coach
KENYA U18
Paul Odera: Coach
Derick Liyakho: Assistant Coach
KENYA U15
Biko Adema: Coach
The Kenya Rugby Union has announced the composition of the Kenya 15s setup under a new structure, with Jerome Paarwater taking the helm as the program’s head.
— #SupportTheSimbas (@KenyaSimbas) February 15, 2024
Full story on https://t.co/2Iz0MwocZT pic.twitter.com/yvaiWOMqKy
To further bolster the setup, two assistant Team Managers, Philip Wamae and Joseph Guchu, will provide invaluable support and assistance.
Additionally, trials for Chipu are scheduled to take place this weekend. The team is set to compete in this year’s Under 20 Barthes Trophy in Zimbabwe in April. An alignment camp for the Simbas is also set to take place this weekend.
Additional reporting by Kenya Rugby Union
