Exclusive: Louis Kisia resigns as Strathmore Leos coach
2nd March 2024
Kisia, who is also the Kenya 7s assistant coach, terminated his contract effective 1 March 2024.
- Kisia has been in charge of Leos from December 2019.
- The Kenya 7s assistant coach cited a couple of reasons behind his exit.
- He leaves Strathmore Leos fighting to avoid relegation after a difficult 23/24 Kenya Cup campaign.
Louis ‘Fadhee’ Kisia has officially resigned as the head
coach of Kenya Cup side Strathmore Leos, SportPesa News can exclusively reveal.
Kisia, who has been the head coach of the varsity side since
December 2019 brought his over four-year stay at the club to an end after tendering
his resignation with immediate effect from 1 March 2024.
“I am writing to formally notify you of my decision to terminate my contract as the Rugby Head Coach for Strathmore Leos, effective 1 March 2024. After careful consideration, I have come to the difficult decision to step down from my role due to recent developments,” the exclusive letter seen by SportPesa News read.
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In the reasons that led to his resignation, Kisia, who is
also the assistant coach for the Kenya 7s men’s national team, revealed that a
difference in ideology between him and caretaker coach Willis ‘Foxx’ Ojal, who
was appointed without his input, led to the decision.
Ojal had been brought on board to steer Leos as Kisia actively
doubled as Shujaa’s assistant coach.
“One of the many reasons is that my coaching philosophy does
not align with the approach of the new caretaker coach.As a coach, it is
crucial for me to work in an environment that allows me to implement my
coaching style and principles effectively.
Unfortunately, the decision-making process that led to the
selection of the new caretaker coach, without considering my input, has created
a situation where I feel my ability to contribute to the team in a meaningful
way is compromised,” he stated.
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Additionally, Kisia pointed that his elevation to the men’s
team in August 2023 had not been met positively as he did not receive support
in his new role as Leos’ struggles in the league was blamed on his absence.
Leos endured a torrid spell where they lost six straight
games just after winning their opening two games in the 23/24 Kenya Cup campaign.
“Furthermore, I am disheartened by the lack of support from
the department leadership regarding my recent elevation to the national sevens
team coaching staff (Kenya SHUJAA).
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Despite my commitment to ensuring a smooth transition and
continuity for Leos, it appears that my absence has been unfairly blamed for
the team's performance struggles,”
Kisia finished by expressing his gratitude for the
opportunity to coach Leos.
“I want to express my gratitude for the opportunities and experiences I have had during my time with the Leos. It has been a great honor to work with the boys who have made this role so rewarding,” he concluded.
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Notable achievements at Leos
Won the Championship Trophy 2019
Helped Leos gain promotion back to Kenya Cup 2020
Kenya Cup Semis back-to-back (2020/2021 and 2021/2022)
2022 Embu sevens champions
Christie sevens 2022 champions
Bronze medalists back-to-back sevens series 2022 and 2023
East Africa University Games 2022 Champions
Helped a number of players get called up to Kenya 7s, Kenya 15s and the Morans