Kenya Simbas' coach takes begging bowl to fans ahead of Rugby World Cup qualifier

The men’s national rugby 15's head coach Paul Odera has made a personal plea to fans in the country to come together and help the Kenya Simbas fundraise money for their upcoming assignment in France where the team is in line to take part in the 2023 Rugby World Cup qualifiers scheduled to take place from 1-10 July 2022.

Currently, the national 15's side find themselves in dire financial straits after it emerged that they would not be getting any support from the government as the Ministry of Sport earlier announced that they are not in a position to facilitate international events for the remaining days of the 2021/2022 Financial Year.

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With that, it meant that the Simbas have to facilitate their own extra expenses in France where the team are departing to on Wednesday 29 June, but lack of finances is threatening to derail the team’s historic quest of making it to a prestigious Rugby World Cup tournament for the first time ever.

“Kenya Simbas Head coach Appeal (10,000 for 1,000). Thank you to all those who have given so far. I appeal to ten thousand Kenyans and supporters to give 1,000 kshs, 9$, 8 €, 7£ to get the Simbas over the line. The boys need you!!” the head coach posted on his social media handle.

While Rugby Afrique, the organizing body, will be meeting some of the costs for the team, the continent’s rugby governing body will not cater for all the expenses set to be involved.

According to acting Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) CEO Thomas Odundo, Rugby Afrique will only facilitate the travelling and accommodation plans for a 28-man travelling squad and 3 staff members which leaves the bulk of the work to KRU, who are also struggling on finances.

“Rugby Afrique will only pay for flights and accommodation to 28 players, the head coach, team manager and team physio. In order to get additional staff like forwards coach, skills coach, team doctor, that will be on us.

The parts not covered by Rugby Afrique include the local camp where the team will stay for around 10-14 days. The accommodation, the transportation, allowances for training and any expenses incurred when in France are not catered for,” Odundo said.

You can make your contributions here: https://www.mchanga.africa/fundraiser/56309