Crisis Looms at Kenya 7s Team as Players Vow Not to Play under New British Coach
A crisis is looming at the Kenya 7s rugby team after players vowed not to play under Briton William Webster, who was appointed as their new head coach following the controversial sacking of Innocent Simiyu.
The players allegedly made the declaration in solidarity with Simiyu, who was fired by the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) after he took responsibility for an incident where players concealed "Brand Kenya" Logo on their jerseys during World Rugby Sevens Series in Paris, France. The players concealed the logo with a tape in protest of delayed payment of remuneration by KRU.
In their response statement, the players said the move to conceal the logo was not an individual, but a joint decision by all members.
“We love doing what we do and it is with so much pride that we don the national team jersey and represent our country on the International rugby playing platform. It is unfortunate that what appeared to be an internal matter has degenerated into uncalled for hostility and demonization of the players,” the players stated.
Last week, Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala criticized the players over the incident and ordered the cancellation of Sh20 million Brand Kenya sponsorship to the Kenyan Rugby team.
"How can you be a Kenyan and go to an international activity and cover the brand Kenya, how?" Balala asked furiously.
"That was not written Brookside or Tusker or Safaricom, it was written Brand Kenya. That is your country, your motherland! That makes who you are and then you cover it! " Balala said.
Simiyu defended his players against being victimized for their actions, a move that led to his firing.
Comments (2)
This delay of payment seems to happen only in Africa. I remember Cameroon,and Nigeria threatening to boycott world cup soccer in past years due to unpaid allowances.In the on going worldcup Nigeria team Nigeria demanded money upfront before embarking on their task to try to be the first african country to win the world cup.
Kina Balala do they consult Kenyans when they are stealing from Kenyans along with the other politician Suddenly now we are talking about patriotism when common mwananchi is playing rugby. Perhaps they went there using their own money to pay ticket and accommodation. They deserve an apology not condemnation.