Paul Odera has resigned as Kenya Simbas head coach following the team’s poor performance at the Rugby World Cup Repechage qualifiers in Dubai.
On Friday, the national rugby15s coach wrote a resignation letter after falling 22-18 to Hong Kong, the last qualifying match with the world Cup set for France next year.
This was his third loss in a four team tournament after going down to Portugal side The Wolves and America’s Eagles in the past matches in 85-0 and 68-14 respectively to hand Kenya some matching orders away from the qualification.
“It has been three years since I accepted the offer from the Kenya Rugby Union to coach the team. It has been an interesting journey with highs and lows,” said Odera wrote.
“Such is the nature of sport and the game that we love, rugby. If it was too easy, we wouldn’t know the joy of achieving our goals and the pleasure of knowing we worked hard to make them happen.”
“However, a national team’s results have more than one measurable besides the head coach. There are others who are also accountable and responsible for a sustainable financial strategy, building a High Performance environment, arranging competitive fixtures and creating a pathway for players from the grassroots to the Simbas,” said Odera.