KRU expected to name Shujaa coach, Murunga among the hopefuls

Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) is expected to name a new technical bench this week.

Homeboyz head coach Paul ‘Pau’ Murunga leads the list of applicants to replace Innocent Simiyu whose contract comes to an end on October 17.

The former Shujaa player won the National Sevens Circuit in 2016 and reclaimed it this season earning him a Level 2 coaching certificate.

“I think it’s a big step getting a Level 2 Coaching Certificate, winning the circuit and being able to build a strong side that can compete in the national sevens and 15s. This shows one is on the right track in terms of coaching; the union will want in this country,”he said.

Murunga  was  also the assistant coach in 2016 when Shujaa won the Singapore Sevens and participated in the Rio Olympics under the then head coach Benjamin Ayimba.

“Considering several achievements for the club, the national under -19 and Kenya Sevens it’s good for guys to look up to; when they are training and playing this coming season.”

Murunga acknowledged the input of outgoing coach Innocent Simiyu hailing him for the “excellent job” he did in his tenure.

“Last season ‘Namcos’ did a nice job, the  guys played well getting to the Main Cup finals twice in the HSBC World Rugby Series finishing with the most points in history, so I think this season the guys only need to step up and ensure they are in a better position despite other challenges of lacking major sponsorship.”

Kenya womens sevens coach Kevin Wambua, who coaches local side Mwamba RFC, is also said to be one of the candidates together with  the former Kenya 7s international and KCB Sevens coach Dennis Mwanja.

KRU confirmed that they conducted interviews with the 12 applicants; seven foreign and five local coaches but did not reveal the names of the top candidates.