The boys played for the flag; made us proud, says Shujaa coach Murunga

Kenya rugby sevens head coach Paul Muruga says the team needs more money to enable them have early preparations to avoid poor display witnessed this season in the Series.

Shujaa kept it late to preserve their top-tier status as they fought gallantly at the Paris leg reaching the Main Cup quarters for the first time this season.

Speaking upon arrival last night at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Murunga stated that this has been a tough season and called upon the government and sponsors to come on board to help the team begin proper early preparations ahead of next season.

Murunga also hailed his charges for the hard work despite the challenges they faced as they turned around their campaign to avoid relegation.

Menengai Cream Homeboyz RFC coach Paul Murunga reacts during their Kenya Cup match against SportPesa Quins RFC at the Jamhuri Park in Nairobi on on January 14, 2017. Homeboyz RFC won 15-10. Photo/Stafford Ondego/www.sportpicha.com

“This being my first season with the national team, I have learnt that good performance requires early preparations for the team to perform, and we need money, without it we cannot prepare early and I would really like the government and sponsors to help in funding the national team so that we don’t get ourselves into such a scenario next season,” he told Citizen Digital.

Despite the challenges faced by Shujaa ranging from general welfare, insurance, supplements and nutrition, the head coach has heaped praise on his charges terming them “hardworking” after they reached the HSBC World Sevens Series quarter finals after beating Wales 26-21 at Paris 7s on Saturday.

“The boys were ready for the challenge. We believed.  We prayed and we knew God would give us a win, despite being in very delicate group with Wales, we really wanted to win, the players motivated themselves and everyone was in for the game,” said Muruga upon their arrival.

This season saw Kenya name young players in the national team after a contract tiff with a large chunk of the experienced players and Murunga was pleased with their performance.

“ These boys play for the country, they are not playing for me so if they are willing to play we will give them a chance next season, as we said earlier we will give people chances to see their effort in training and if they are willing to defend the country in such a competition,” he reckoned.

Kenya qualified for the quarter finals after a 19-19 tie between Australia, a 12-29 loss to South Africa and a 21-26 win against Wales.

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Shujaa Paris Sevens Kenya Rugby Sevens Paul Murunga

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