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The former Kenya Sevens captain feels the players were subjected to a poor playing environment but backs them to return instantly
Former Kenya Sevens captain Andre Amonde believes lack of a proper playing environment contributed to Shujaa’s relegation from the World Sevens Series.
Kenya lost their 19-year core status after falling to Canada in the relegation playoff final in May, seeing them drop to the less prestigious Challenger Series where they will have to work their way from to return at the earliest in the 2024-25 season.
Lack of proper long-term structures, wrangling within the Kenya Rugby Union and lack of finances has been blamed for Kenya’s collapse, which started even before their relegation, and Amonde, who played for Kenya from 2006 to 2022 shares the same sentiments.
“There was a lot of politics that was going on. There was no clear way, most of the time Shujaa did not have a proper sponsor. So, most of the things they were doing were substandard and it came to hit us late,” Amonde told Pulse Sports.
“We also brought in a new coach who had a new system of playing and he had young players coming through the system so it took them time to adjust to the new system and the result is what we have now. A team that was playing well but could not be consistent at the highest level because of the new system and lack of proper playing environment.”
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08:04 - 02.08.2023
RUGBY Former Kenya Sevens captain confirms Shujaa coaching role talks
The experienced ex-skipper has revealed that he is one of those being considered for a place on the national team’s technical bench.
Concerned were also raised when a number of senior players such as Amonde, Collins Injera, Oscar Ouma and Willy Ambaka exited the team at the same time, leaving the high-pressure responsibility to youngster who struggled to get going.
Amonde also feels had the transition been handled better, things would have been different.
“When you lose all your senior players at one time, it always takes time for the young ones to step up and cover their shoes but I think that is just one of the cases. It is a matter of building the team and having a successful programme that will sustain Shujaa even if any of the players decide to leave,” he added.
Nevertheless, the former skipper feels there is enough talent to return Shujaa back to the World Sevens Series straight away as long as the structures are right.
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13:38 - 26.07.2023
RUGBY Dennis Abukuse bullish about delivering Shujaa from relegation ahead of busy calendar
The 24-year-old is optimistic that the team will learn from the experience, which they will use as fuel to win back promotion to the top flight at the first time of asking.
“The players are very talented so it is a matter of exposing them to the high levels of play. If they are able to get used to that, we stand a chance to compete in the qualifiers because we have not lost too much,” said Amonde.
“We have players in the team who have been exposed in the World Series so if we build the team around them, we have a chance of going back straightway.”
Amonde is reportedly set to be among the new Kenya Sevens coaches, serving as assistant to Kevin Wambua alongside Kabras Sugar coach Carlos Katywa and the trio have their work cut out if and when they are confirmed.
Kenya will need to finish in the top four in the 2024 Challenger Series to make it to the relegation-promotion playoff and ensure they are among the four best teams again to regain their place in the World Series following changes made by World Rugby.
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06:31 - 19.07.2023
RUGBY What will Shujaa need to earn promotion following World Rugby’s major changes to Sevens Series?
Shujaa have a tough route back to the World Sevens Series after the sports governing body introduced a new format starting next season.
Shujaa will begin their promotion journey at the Africa Men’s Sevens slated for September 16 and 17 in Zimbabwe with the 12-team tournament also serving as the 2024 Olympics qualifier where only one team will make it to Paris.
If Kenya fail to win the Africa Men’s Sevens tournament, they will hope to finish second or third to qualify for the 2024 Final Olympic Qualification Tournament while also making it to the 2024 Challenger Series.
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