Ayimba fired as KRU shops for Kenya 7s head coach

Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) on Tuesday advertised for the position of Kenya 7s head coach in effect ending the tenure of celebrated incumbent, Benjamin Ayimba who has served in the position for one year since his second return.

Ayimba is however, eligible to apply for the position but the timing of the notice comes when a payment scandal related to the Rio 2016 Olympics is simmering under the surface but the announcement will be seen as a step by Union bosses to muscle him out of the position.

“The Board of the Union is desirous of filling the position of the Head Coach, Kenya Sevens National Team accountable to the Board through the Chief Executive Officer and the Director of Rugby for the effective overall management of the Kenya Sevens Team.

“The appointed person will coach the team, on and off the field, to a standard of excellence, demonstrating a significant improvement over each annual period of centralization, enhancing the reputation of the Kenya Rugby Union.

“The Head Coach will report to the National Squads Management Committee through the Director of Rugby,” the Union advertisement read.

When contacted, Ayimba indicated; “I’ll apply for the job as they have asked and wait to see,” adding he had no ill feelings over the advertisement stating he was working on ‘voluntary basis’.

KRU is looking for a candidate with a minimum of three years experience as a head coach in a division one club or elite squad.

Relevant World Rugby qualifications in Coaching, demonstration of high ethical standards and integrity in his or her personal and professional dealings and outstanding communication skills, responsive to the needs of the partners and sponsors are among other criteria to be considered.

Applications must be submitted by September 30 with the insertion of the integrity clause a thinly veiled reference to mounting speculation on claims money changed hands for players to be selected to the Kenya 7s and Kenya Lionesses squads for Rio.

Ayimba who led Kenya to the 2009 World Cup Rugby Sevens semi finals in Dubai, took the team that was languishing in 13th at the end of the disastrous 2014/15 HSBC World Rugby Series to seventh in the last season.

He also ensured Shujaa qualified for their maiden Olympics campaign in Brazil by winning the Africa qualifiers where the sport was making its debut at the quadrennial Summer Games.

Kenya 7s failed to make the Olympics quarters after loses to Great Britain, New Zealand and Japan in the group stages.

Their only victory was in the placement clash against hosts Brazil.