Chipu Boss Paul Odera Appointed New Senior Simbas Head Coach

NAIROBI, Kenya- Kenya Rugby Union on Thursday named Paul Odera as the head coach of national 15s side Simbas for the upcoming 2019 calender of events.

In a press statement, the governing body announced that Odera who is currently the head coach of Chipu, the under 20 side will lead the Simbas technical bench that shall comprise of Jimmy Mnene (Team Manager), Ben Mahinda (Team Physiotherapist), Edwin Boit (Team Analyst), Michael Owino (Strength and Conditioning Coach) and Albertus Van Buuren (Backs Coach).

Odera recently led Chipu to the Junior World Rugby Tournament for the second time in their history following their 2009 maiden campaign and holds a World Rugby Level 3 coaching certificate and is also a World Rugby Coach educator besides teaching at the Peponi House Preparatory School.

DO NOT MISS: Wounded Shujaa Must Better Japan In Paris To Avoid Shameful Relegation

Mnene and Owino have worked together with Odera for the last four years as the management of Chipu. Mahinda on the other hand has been part of the Lionesses technical team.  

Boit has worked with Chipu and Simbas in previous assignments providing comprehensive analysis of each player’s statistics after training sessions and matches.

Albertus played in the Super Rugby back in 1996 before moving to New Zealand. He has coached Lenana School and is currently the Director of Sport at Crawford International School.

Mutual understanding

Odera’s philosophy is centered on accountability, mutual understanding and passion. Supported with resilience, discipline and a desire to contribute to others both on and off the field.

"The teams he coaches are typified as being disciplined, intelligent, well organized, skillful and creative as witnessed with Chipu. He has 20 years’ experience of and coaching in Independent schools in Kenya, South Africa and New Zealand," KRU said of their new man at the helm of the 15s side.

DO NOT MISS: Allison vs Lloris: Mirror, Mirror Who's The Best Keeper Of Them All?

With the cancellation of the 2019 Rugby Africa Gold Cup competition, the team does not have many fixtures and the Union is working hard to fill the calendar. The confirmed games for this season so far are Elgon Cup matches against Uganda on June 22 in Kisumu and on July 13 in Kampala, Uganda.

KRU will hold trials this Saturday at Nairobi's RFUEA Grounds to select the provisional Simbas squad that will represent Kenya in the Elgon fixtures.

"Other matches will be confirmed as the International season continues. The Union is keen to revive the Victoria Cup to fill the gap left by the cancellation of the Gold Cup," the press release highlighted.