Details of contractual issues locking out Kenya Sevens co-captains from HSBC SVNS
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Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 14.11.24. | 17:18
A trusted source revealed that discussions have been ongoing since the Paris Olympics in July, but KRU has been firm due to financial constraints
Kenya Sevens co-captains Vincent Onyala and Tony Omondi will miss the upcoming HSBC SVNS Series following a breakdown in contract negotiations with the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU).
Shujaa players recently met with KRU Secretary-General Ray Olendo and Shujaa team manager Steve Sewe to address their concerns over salary structures and contract terms.
The players sought to have their salaries treated as net rather than gross and requested provisions for future re-negotiation if new sponsorships emerged. However, despite minor adjustments, their appeals were ultimately dismissed due to KRU’s financial constraints.
A trusted source revealed that discussions have been ongoing since the Paris Olympics in July, but KRU has been firm due to financial constraints.
"While a couple of things were adjusted, efforts by the players to have salaries reviewed were dismissed," the source told Nation Sport.
The strained relations were evident when Onyala and Omondi were absent from a recent sponsorship renewal. Teammates Samuel Asati and George Ooro accepted a Ksh84 million sponsorship cheque on behalf of the team.
KRU Chairman Sasha Mutai defended the Union's stance, stating, “We cannot force someone to accept what we offer if it does not suit them. No player is indispensable, and we will not make promises we cannot keep.”
Mutai insisted on sound judgment, recalling that the team’s success at the Rugby 7s Africa Cup, where Shujaa qualified for the Paris Olympics, was achieved with an almost entirely new squad.
"When we won the Africa Cup and qualified for the Paris Olympics, it was almost a new side. We have to operate realistically," he added.
His sentiments were echoed by Sewe who affirmed that players have the right to decline contract terms if they feel dissatisfied.
"We cannot blame players for declining contracts. It’s their right, and there’s no bad blood," Sewe said.
In a bid to meet players halfway, KRU introduced a 20 per cent salary increase for first and second-tier players, while third-tier players, many of whom joined last season, saw a 30 per cent raise.
With contract negotiations now closed, Sewe confirmed that the team is fully focused on the 2024/2025 SVNS Series.
The team will begin their HSBC SBNS Series campaign with the Dubai 7s slated for Saturday 30 November to Sunday 1 December 2024.
They have been placed in Pool A together with France, South Africa, and Australia.
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