Sasha Mutai ready to hit the ground running after finally claiming the KRU top seat

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RUGBY Sasha Mutai ready to hit the ground running after finally claiming the KRU top seat

Abigael Wafula 09:30 - 30.03.2023

Mutai believes Kenya has all it takes to qualify for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

Newly-elected Kenya Rugby Union Chairman Alexander 'Sasha' Mutai is open to work with rest of elected executives for the betterment of rugby in the country.

Mutai wants to ensure nurturing of talent to bring the game back to top quality. He noted that the many challenges in rugby impacted the players negatively causing performance dip.

“I am the captain of this team and I hope we shall work together to ensure we bring the game back to where it should be. I now want to harness the different talent of players to upgrade the quality of the game.

We know what we are capable of as a country and I am sure with teamwork all is possible. We have had so many issues of late but we want to correct that now,” Mutai said.

He revealed that he is keen to ensure that the rugby 15s), both the men’s (Shujaa) and women’s (Lionesses) teams, rugby sevens (Simbas) and the boys under-19 rugby (Chipu) teams get a conducive environment for playing.

“We want to get them the best training environment. The 15’s team are set to go to South Africa for the Currie Cup and we want to make that happens. The women’s team will also be going to Madagascar and we have to ensure they train well. We have to get all the teams the best that we can give them to perform well,” he said.

The Simbas had been in residential training camp at the Moi International Sports Center Kasarani ahead of the Hong Kong and Singapore HSBC series. Despite the team being on the verge of relegation, Mutai noted that he is positive they will bounce back.

“From the nine days they were in training, they looked poised and I am hopeful they will do well. They have also promised to fight hard in their four remaining games and we just hope for the best,” he said.

Mutai is also bullish that Shujaa will qualify for the 2027 Rugby World Cup and he promised to burn the midnight oil and ensure his dream comes to pass.

Speaking about getting sponsors into the sport, Mutai revealed that he is in talks with some of them and they are upbeat about coming back. “They will come in as our partners because we shall be giving them value for their money,” he said.

Mutai was elected alongside Moses Ndale who comes in as Vice-chairman, Raymond Olendo (Secretary General), and Joshua Aroni (Treasurer). The Directors include Harriet Okach, John Kilonzo, Moses Mukabane, Ochieng Ahaya, Leslie Mwangale, and Humphrey Kayange.