NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 18 – Paul Odera has resigned as the Kenya Simbas head coach, just hours after the team’s 22-18 loss at the hands of Hong Kong in the final game of the 2023 Rugby World Cup Repechage in Dubai.
Odera has had a tough last few months at the helm of the national team, and the display in Dubai, which most have pointed to off field issues more than on field.
In a resignation letter seen by Capital Sports, Odera says he takes full responsibility for theteam’s failure to qualify for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
“Sadly, we have failed to qualify for the World Cup and I take accountability for the on field results. 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,” the tactician pointed out in his resignation statement.
The tactician further states; “I cannot say whether my leadership or coaching of The Simbas has been good or bad. This judgment I leave to the players I coached, my coaching staff and those who have been intimately involved with the team,”
“However, what I do know is that I gave everything to serve the country. I looked into the future and came up with a vision to qualify for the Rugby World Cup in France in 2023,” the coach added.
Odera has been at the helm of the Simbas for the last three years, but it has not been all rosy. The Union, at one point stated he had resigned, only for him to refute the statement, and it ended up in a court case where the Union had to agree to let him continue working as the head coach.
The Simbas failed to qualify for the World Cup through the initial African route after losing to Namibia in the final of the Africa Cup, and had to go to the four-nation repechage tournament, where they lost all their three matches.
The team’s performance in Dubai, where they also missed up to six key players, was tumultuous, as the coach had to deal with off field issues including an apparent go slow in training due to unpaid allowances.
“To the Kenya Rugby Union Board and the Chairman, Oduor Gangla, thank you for the opportunity to coach the Simbas in a unique environment that has stretched my coaching, leadership and management skills,” said the tactician in his closing statement, pointing out to just how tough his stint has been.
